CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE DELIVERS FUNDING TO LOWER ENERGY COSTS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Delivers $300,000 to assist low-income communities with weatherization efforts
(Rochester, NY)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle joined with community partners to announce he has secured $300,000 for Rochester ENergy Efficiency and Weatherization (RENEW)—a collective impact initiative of the Rochester Area Community Foundation that provides energy efficiency grants for low-income homeowners.
“I’m proud to have secured funding for RENEW which will help approximately 70 local families make their homes safer and more cost-efficient,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Not only will this investment lower costs and strengthen sustainability, but it also targets historically marginalized neighborhoods—helping to bring us one step closer to housing equity. I’m grateful to RENEW for their commitment to uplifting families, and I look forward to our continued work together revitalizing our community.”
“RENEW and our community partners have developed an integrated, efficient approach to help hundreds of low-income homeowners address deferred residential maintenance, health hazards, and energy inefficiencies. Our work improves family health, wealth, and wellbeing, while at the same time moving our community towards a sustainable, low-carbon future,” said Elizabeth McDade, RENEW Program Director. “We are very grateful for the funding that Congressmen Morelle secured because it is an investment in home “health” – an essential cornerstone to combatting poverty, reducing residential greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a healthier community for all of us to live, work, and play.”
"The RENEW program has been a vital source of gap funding to bring critical energy efficiency improvements, replacement roofs, and health and safety repairs to homeowners that could not afford them otherwise. These improvements make the homes more energy efficient resulting in lowered energy usage and reduced utility bills," said Alex Castro, PathStone Corporation President and CEO. "PathStone has worked on close to 400 projects since 2017 through RENEW. We are grateful to the Rochester Area Community Foundation for this valuable support and for the program's flexibility."
“We are thrilled that Congressman Morelle has been able to secure additional federal funding for RENEW, an Initiative of the Rochester Area Community Foundation that has tangible and enduring impact in Rochester,” said Erin Budd Barry, Vice President of Community Programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation. “Not only does the work of RENEW and the community partners reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help homeowners save money on heating and cooling costs, but the home improvements also have lasting health and safety benefits – all of which contribute to the wellbeing of our neighbors. The Foundation has supported RENEW since 2017 and we are delighted this critical initiative continues to grow, thrive, and strengthen our community.”
Created in 2015, RENEW has already prevented 6,607 tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere by making hundreds of homes more energy efficient through grants to community partners. In addition to cutting fuel costs by 20-50 percent, they are transforming these neighborhoods by helping to build wealth while decreasing environmental hazards. Congressman Morelle worked to secure this federal funding as part of the Community Project Funding process in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Package. Read the full project proposal here.
Find out if you are eligible for a grant to make your home healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient by contacting one of RENEW’s community partners:
- Action for a Better Community Energy Conservation Program (585.442.4160)
- NeighborWorks Community Partners Rochester Home Energy Services (585.325.4170)
- PathStone Corporation Home Rehabilitation and Energy Services (585.546.3700, ext. 3025)