Benton, Ark. -  “The Lord will provide a way.” That’s what Ruth B. kept telling herself as the cold winter months approached.  The elderly Pulaski County resident knew that with her limited fixed income, she really didn’t have the means to make the repairs needed on her home, like around the doors where she could feel the cold air seeping in through the cracks and holes. So she relied on her faith.

Until one day, Ruth read about her local Weatherization program in the paper. The CADC sponsored program recently received an infusion of dollars - $6.6 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. CADC was announcing the opportunity to receive assistance through the program, which provided computerized energy audits to help make homes like Ruth’s more energy efficient. Income guidelines were increasing and all the services were free.

Ruth applied for assistance. The CADC Weatherization team’s work made such a difference! Energy-saving improvements were wide-ranging, but made an immediate change on her utility bill. Vents and light switches were insulated, stopping air form infiltrating her home. She received new doors. The Weatherization staff worked on her windows, caulking each one. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were installed, increasing safety. Ruth noticed a $10 difference in her first month’s bill after the changes were completed.

“[I’m] so thankful for this blessing. I would not have been able to purchase new doors nor continue to pay outrageously high electric bills to keep warm.”

The Weatherization Assistance Program has improved hundreds of homes of low to moderate income families. The program uses computerized energy audits and advanced diagnostic technology to make a range of improvements, free of charge to those who are eligible, that enable households to conserve home energy and save income that can be used for other basic necessities, including food and medicine. 

CADC will invest up to $6,500 in each home for energy efficiency measures. By having this work performed, persons can expect to save as much as $400 per year on energy costs.

For more information on the Weatherization program, call CADC at 501-778-1133 or visit our website at www.cadc.com.

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