PARIS – A local nonprofit is trying to rally volunteers to winterize the homes of the elderly poor in Oxford and Androscoggin counties.
Sandy Albert, housing services office manager of Community Concepts, said that so far only 11 people have signed up for the area’s Operation Keep ME Warm. In late October, it will have teams of two or three people head out to homes to insulate them against winter’s icy drafts.
Gov. John Baldacci launched the program last year, enlisting 1,000 volunteers to weatherize 1,600 homes across the state, said Beth Nagusky, the governor’s director of energy independence and security. Community Concepts, a social services agency based in Paris, is directing the endeavor locally this year.
Nagusky said the state is seeking 2,275 volunteers to service 3,000 homes between Oct. 28 and Oct. 31. Albert said she hopes 300 volunteers sign up to work on the 408 homes that have been selected for the program’s assistance in Oxford and Androscoggin counties.
Greater need this year
Nagusky said the state is targeting twice the number of homes this year because organizers had more time to plan. Plus, with this year’s steep fuel costs, the need is greater, she said.
Mary Ellen Therriault, spokesperson for Community Concepts, said, “This is going to be very, very difficult winter, especially for the elderly. We see this as a way to combat the high prices, and keep people from having to choose between food, medical bills or heat.”
Based on program figures from last year, the improvements on people’s homes could knock off about $200 in heating bills, Nagusky said.
Those eligible for the Operation Keep ME Warm are already on the state’s list for home heating assistance, according to organizers. Last year, Nagusky said 45,000 Maine households received help with fuel costs.
From the list, seniors were singled out to receive the free weatherization, Therriault said.
Each volunteer team receives a kit and instructions before being assigned a house where they place shrink-wrap on the windows, install energy-efficient light bulbs, caulk windows and insulate pipes. Teams must have at least two people.
Therriault said, “Ideally, one of the people on each team would have some basic home maintenance skills.” At least one person on the team should be comfortable using a staple gun and other tools, she added.
Nagusky said she is not worried that few people have volunteered so far. “This happened last year, too. People wait until the last minute to volunteer.”
For more information, people can call Sandy Albert at 743-7716 or go to www.volunteermaine.org.
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