Collaborative Weatherization Project

Working with the Cape Area Family Resource Center, the Universal Unitarian Fellowship of Cape Girardeau, SEMOCPI has embarked on a project to promote energy efficient weatherization of older dwellings in Cape Girardeau (whether owned or rented).  Using Weatherization packages made available through The United Way, we have weatherized one house on S. Pacific, and have another scheduled for work.
Energy costs represent a major burden for some families living in older less well-insulated homes. The purpose of this project is to reduce the energy demand in such homes, and thereby reduce the energy costs, energy needs, and carbon dioxide footprint.

The first step involves a visit to the home to assess what steps might be taken.	A common method for reducing drafts is to place a rolled towel between windows.
Since the greatest energy demand many folks face is heating the home in winter (and maybe cooling in summer), the first step is often to install air-tights clear plastic covering on the windows.
	Another step is to reduce drafts around doors, with insulation strips.
	A third step is often to try to improve insulation in exposed areas; floors and outside or porch walls are often candidates for this approach.
The final step is to discuss with the family ways that they might be able, through changes in behavior, to reduce energy costs. This can involve such steps as reducing the home temperature a few degrees -especially at night and when unoccupied, shortening showers, reducing the water heater temperature and possibly the times when water is heated.		After a couple of weeks, our hosts report that they already feel warmer, and have lowered the thermostat a couple of degrees.
Thanks to Our Hosts for allowing us this trial effort on their home. Anyone interested in learning more about the project, can contact Denise Lincoln or Pat King through the Cape Area Family Resource Center at 1202 S. Sprigg: (573) 334-8170		Thanks to the Project Workers: Rick Brindell Mark Dunn Harlan Fiedler Allen Gathman Hamner Hill Kathleen Patton Mike Wood Shelly Wood Bob Zeller Alan & Kathy