Virginia residents may be eligible for assistance with home repairs and energy-efficiency improvements following the release of more than $67 million in state funding announced Thursday by Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
The funding includes $15 million for the Weatherization Deferral Repair program, which helps eligible homeowners address problems that would otherwise prevent their homes from receiving energy-efficiency improvements.
Repairs may include leaking roofs, structural problems, electrical and plumbing issues, mold, moisture damage and water damage.
State officials said the additional funding is expected to support repairs to more than 1,000 homes across Virginia, and note that Weatherization Deferral Repair funding is for repairs needed before a home can receive weatherization services. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and agree to both stages.
The program also helps residents qualify for services through the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, which can provide insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient lighting and carbon monoxide detectors.
“Investing in energy efficiency is one of the most effective and impactful ways to lower monthly energy costs for Virginians,” Spanberger said. “These services lower high energy costs for families, improve indoor health and safety, and support long-term housing stability across the state.”
The money comes from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, a multistate program that generates funding through carbon dioxide emissions allowances.
According to the governor’s office, the funds had previously been withheld during former Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration.
An additional $52 million will go toward the Affordable and Special Needs Housing program to support energy-efficiency improvements in affordable housing construction, rehabilitation and redevelopment.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development administers the weatherization programs through a network of 15 providers across the state.
“Having these additional funds for critical repairs will allow us to serve more Virginians whose homes are in need of energy efficiency upgrades,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery said.
Residents interested in assistance can apply through their local Weatherization Assistance Program provider. Eligibility and available services are determined through the program’s application process.
The Department of Housing and Community Development provides information about the Weatherization Deferral Repair program and a directory of local weatherization providers on its website.
STEP’s Patrick County office is located at 4559 Wayside Road in Stuart and can be reached at 276-694-2239.
To qualify for the Weatherization Deferral Repair program, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the federal Weatherization Assistance Program. Repairs must address conditions preventing a home from receiving weatherization services.
Additional information is available through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development at www.dhcd.virginia.gov/wdr.
