Weatherization Assistance Program Administration Moving from Durango to Grand Junction

Administration of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for Southwest Colorado counties is slated to shift from the Durango-based Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) to Housing Resources of Western Colorado out of Grand Junction as of July 1^st, 2013.

4CORE has administered weatherization of 588 homes over the last three-and-a-half years for low income qualified residents in Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan, Montezuma and Dolores Counties. Together with partners Housing Solutions for the Southwest and the Southwest Conservation Corps (in partnership with AmeriCorps), 4CORE makes a tremendous difference for hundreds of families. The organization’s commitment to implement the most energy efficient technologies has made homes safer and more affordable for local families who can least afford high energy costs.

“It has been a very rewarding experience to serve so many good people in this region,” said Robert Dawes, 4CORE Board Chair. “We understand the reasons for this decision, and regret that we will be unable to provide local management of this valuable program.”

The decision by the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) to consolidate the Southwest Colorado region with Housing Resources of Western Colorado is due to decreased funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for this program. Housing Resources previously administered the program for our area by subcontracting with Housing Solutions for the Southwest before the weatherization program was fortified with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars in 2009.

“This decision is based purely on economics and is in no way to be interpreted as a performance issue regarding 4CORE’s representation and administration of the weatherization program,” said Marjorie L. Carrasco, CEO Weatherization Production Program Manager. “(4CORE and their) employees’ dedication to serving the region is to be complimented.” 

Housing Resources will continue to work with Housing Solutions for the Southwest in providing free weatherization services to the communities in Southwestern Colorado after July 1^st, 2013.

4CORE was established to provide access to resource efficiency information, practices and measures for our community. The weatherization program is one of several programs the organization delivers and oversees. 4CORE will continue to serve the residents of Southwest Colorado with programs, including residential and commercial energy efficiency and education and information for advancing resource efficiency in Southwest Colorado. 4CORE programs have saved residents and businesses over $875,000 in utility bills to date, and brought over $7.8M in grant funds to our region.

4CORE will continue to help our communities to make smarter use of limited resources, help reduce utility bills, decrease dependence on foreign oil, and maintain a high quality of life for future generations. Support 4CORE and get involved by visiting www.fourcore.org.

About Housing Resources of Western Colorado

Housing Resources has been in business in Mesa County for over 30 years. The mission of Housing Resources, a 501(c)(3) private non-profit corporation, is to provide affordable housing and to promote the wise and sustainable use of resources. Housing Resources offers pre-purchase and post-purchase educational services, weatherization services, opportunities for community revitalization, and the provision of quality, safe, affordable housing for those with low and moderate income.  Housing Resources is a chartered member of NeighborWorks America.  Housing Resources has been weatherizing homes on the western slope since 1998 and has completed over 6,400 jobs over the life of the program.  Learn more about Housing Resources online or by calling their offices at 970-241-2871.