Healthy homes conference Part 3
Lynne Page Snyder from NASCSP, the National Association for State Community Services Programs, spoke about “weatherization plus health” at the Springfield conference. Funds from the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and DHHS Community Services Block Grants are being used to assist low-income families to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes. NASCSP is a professional membership organization for the State and territorial administrators of these programs. WAP’s mission is to reduce energy costs for low-income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children, while ensuring their health and safety. While the weatherization assistance program is not specifically aimed at creating healthy homes, it can lead to fixing property maintenance problems. For example, kitchen and bath exhaust fans may be installed to combat mold and moisture problems. Window replacements may reduce lead paint hazards. NASCSP has put on conferences around the country to try and connect organizations and do cross-training. It is launching a public website soon that will map WAP and healthy homes programs nationwide.
