A recent study by the Washtenaw County Health Department found that older adults are not prepared for extreme weather. Specifically, older adults need help with food, transportation, shelter, medication, and knowing where to find emergency alerts. Today we’re going to look at weatherization programs, where to sign up for weather alerts, and other tips for dealing with extreme weather.
Weatherization Programs
- CSSW Home Maintenance and Safety Services– offers an affordable option for repairs, such as minor carpentry, exterior maintenance, weatherization, and slip and fall prevention. Can also help with gutter cleaning. Call for full range of services.
- County Home Weatherization Program– provides free weatherization services to qualified Washtenaw County residents. Services include air sealing, insulation, and replacement/repair of furnaces and hot water heaters.
- Habitat for Humanity Critical Home Repair Program– aims to alleviate pressure on low-income residents in Washtenaw County by making homes more energy efficient, helping families save on their monthly utility bills, and reducing their impact on the environment to create a more economically and environmentally sustainable county.
- State Weatherization Assistance Program– provides free home energy conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. Services reduce energy use and lower utility bills.
- Washtenaw County Emergency Repair Program– The OCED Emergency Repair Program can currently assist eligible homeowners with urgent repairs related to furnaces, water heaters or sewer issues.
Rebate Programs for Weatherization Updates
- DTE Rebates for Homeowners– DTE provides cash rebates for some home insulation and window upgrades. Take a look at the application and eligibility details to see if you qualify.
- Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program- This program provides affordable loans of up to $20,000 for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Covers a variety of improvements from doors and windows to heating and cooling, and many more.
Emergency Food Assistance
- Speak with your local senior center/lunch café or meals on wheels provider about shelf-stable emergency meals.
Utility Assistance
- Aid in Milan
- DTE Assistance Programs
- Friends in Deed
- Manchester Family Services
- Saline Area Social Service
- SOS Community Services
- State Home Heating Credit– offers support for heating costs. Applications are available from mid- to late January and may be made through September 30 of each year. May affect the amount of food assistance you receive.
- State Emergency Relief (SER)- a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses such as heating fuel, electricity and home repairs.
Emergency Weather Alerts (follow the links to sign up for the alerts)
- Ready.gov
- Washtenaw Alert Emergency Notification System
- WEMU (89.1 FM or listen live on the website)
Emergency Weather Preparation
- MI Emergency Preparedness
- MI Winter Weather Preparedness
- Washtenaw County Health Department Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Blackout Preparation
Warming Centers
- Each winter, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County creates daytime and overnight warming centers. Daytime warming centers are a great resource during a blackout or if there is an issue with your heating. Walk ins are welcome at daytime warming centers, but overnight warming centers require a referral from the Housing Access Center of Washtenaw County (HAWC).
- 2023-2024 Warming Centers will be posted here closer to winter. Contact the Delonis Center at 734-662-2829 for more information.
Be sure to visit the Senior Resource Connect Online Senior Resource Directory for information on food assistance, transportation, medication assistance, and utility assistance.
