STEP Programs: Housing & Weatherization

Housing and Weatherization

bullet Benefits to Homeowner and Environment
bullet Local Economic Impact
bullet Services

Since 1969, STEP, Inc. has been providing Franklin County residents with Housing and Weatherization services. These services began with small projects such as roof repairs, insulation, placing plastic over windows, caulking and weather stripping. In those early years, STEP added other critical services such as providing running water to approximately 100 homes in the Ferrum/Callaway communities, installing chlorination systems for low-income families and establishing the VA Winterization Program.

Today, STEP’s Housing and Weatherization Program is comprised of 11 employees, including a three-person housing work crew in each county. Our Weatherization Crews are highly trained and use the latest technology to ensure homes receive the proper services. An inspection is completed before and after services is provided. Infrared and thermal imaging cameras, blower doors, and other equipment to ensure homes are as energy efficient as possible. Our crew undergoes extensive training every year.

Benefits to Homeowner and Environment

  • Help low-income homeowners save money on monthly heating/electrical bills.
  • Make the homes safer and more comfortable.
  • Reduce the energy consumption in each home which is better for our environment.
  • Weatherization measures reduce national energy demand by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil per year.

Local Economic Impact

  • Low income families will save an average of $350 in reduced first-year energy costs, at current prices.
  • For every $1 invested in the Program, Weatherization returns $2.73 in energy and non-energy related benefits.
  • Weatherization creates 52 direct jobs and 23 indirect jobs for every $1 million invested.
  • Weatherization measures reduce national energy demand by the equivalent of 18 million barrels of oil per year.
  • Weatherization saves an average of 32% in gas space heating. This comprises a total fuel consumption reduction of 23%. Net savings for each home weatherized average 30.5 MBtu/year.
  • STEP works with many local businesses to provide quality services to our homeowners.  Local heating companies, contractors and supply stores benefit from STEP’s services.

*Data from The Weatherization Assistance Program Technical Assistance Center

Services

  • Weatherization/Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Provides low-income residents with home inspections and evaluations. Based upon the evaluation, homes may qualify for a variety of ways to save energy and increase efficiency, such as insulation, roof replacement, weather stripping, window/door sealing and repair/replacement of the current heating systems and appliances.
  • Crisis Heating and Cooling – STEP works with clients referred by the Department of Social Services (DSS).  Clients receive the inspection/installation/repair/replacement of heating and cooling systems and duct work.
  • Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program - This program, through the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) provides rental assistance to eligible, low-income families. Landlords, whose units pass inspection, directly receive a designated amount of rent, thus reducing rental payments for tenants and allowing tenants to increase their affordable housing choices.
  • Indoor Plumbing and Rehabilitation Services - Provides for the installation of plumbing, septic tanks and wells in structurally sound homes with non-existent bathroom facilities. Homes that are not structurally sound are razed and a new home is built to replace it.
  • Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project (SERCAP) - Families in need of clean water and/or sewer are referred by STEP to this agency. SERCAP also provides training and technical assistance to these residents for the proper operation and maintenance of their systems.