Hudsonville, Mich. (WZZM)- Monday the United States Department of Energy announced it will deliver more than $288 million across the country for weatherization programs.
Michigan will get 40% of the Recovery Act stimulus dollars, that's about $97 million.
But, the money adds to funds already promised. So the state really gets more than $243 million to weatherize 33,000 homes.
WZZM 13 is On Your Side to make sure those federal dollars are being spent appropriately.
In all the State of Michigan is getting about $18 billion.
Before the announcement Ottawa County was getting more than $26 million.
Of that more than nearly $3 million goes towards home weatherization.
So, how does weatherization equate to reviving the economy?
Let's take for example the Hager family of Hudsonville.
Outside their mobile home you'll often find two-year-old Jason playing with brother Caleb, and of course Mom and Dad.
But, Josh and Breeze Hager still have a hard time escaping reality.
"Last month our gas was shut off for a week because we didn't have the money," says father Josh.
Josh earns the sole family income. It isn't always enough to support a family and a home in dire need of repairs.
That's where Dale Congdon and the Ottawa Community Action Agency step in.
"I'm here to do your inspection for weatherization," explains Dale after knocking on the Hager's front door.
The Community Action Agency will use stimulus dollars to help families like the Hager's; 300-400 families a year.
"It's not just about sealing up the home, it's about sealing it safely," says Congdon.
After asking for help and being approved for support, the Hager's watch Dale inspect every inch of their home.
"The windows are in and they kind of have them trimmed, but they're not caulked and air sealed at all," he points out.
Noting the crippled remains of a door, he says, "This hot water door, we definitely replace."
Congdon thinks this home needs about $2,000 worth of improvements.
Dale believes this is about more than insulation though, it's about helping families while creating jobs.
The stimulus dollars will allow for more home repairs. More repairs means hiring more contractors, more office staff and more inspectors.
"Its already started happening. I work for several different agencies and I'm already going in and seeing new faces," Dale says.
Calling foul ball while playing with Jason, Josh realizes there's nothing foul about saving money by being more energy efficient or the jobs created.
"There's so many families out there that either don't know what kind of energy loss their losing, or know it but don't have the money to take care of all the problems," he says.
And the real home-run, is the Hager's won't spend a dime.
"It's very helpful and eliminates some of the stress that's on us right now," says Josh.
It's not immediately known how much more work the agency will be doing because of the funds, but they're estimating they'll need six to seven more contract crews.
The agency also goes beyond weatherization, providing energy-saving light bulbs for example. Even refrigerators to families in need.
If you'd like to apply for assistance click here.
For more information on where Ottawa County's stimulus dollars are going click here.
Click here to track stimulus money throughout the State of Michigan.
By Nick MonacelliIn your voice
