Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs - Building Homes and Strengthening Communities

A Deep Breath

Jorge Reyes, TDHCA

Caption below

Frances M., Lubbock, Texas
Weatherization Assistance Program
Photo: Jorge Reyes, TDHCA

Energy efficiency is key to making a home truly affordable. Successfully weatherizing an older home can help low-income families save money. In some cases, weatherization can do more for families than save money.

Frances M.'s home in Lubbock was in dire need of repair. “Some of the windows were held in place by duct tape. The wind blew right through my house,” says Frances. “I walked around with a blanket wrapped around me all the time. I was throwing away money on heating!”

Moreover, not only was the home losing her money it was also making her respiratory illness worse. “I haven’t felt healthy living here in such a long time,” she recalls.

Originally, Frances applied to the City of Lubbock’s TDHCA funded Weatherization Assistance Program hoping it could save her some money. The city replaced all the windows and added insulation in the walls and ceiling. Immediately after the repairs were complete, Frances noticed a big difference in her health. “The first morning I woke up after they did the work on my home I took a deep breath and for the first time in years I didn’t cough! All day long I felt better than I ever had. I didn’t even need my blanket anymore! I was warm without it!”

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Learn more about this program:
Weatherization Assistance Program