December 30, 2015
Keeping out the cold Recipes
Small plates for a big party
Around Town
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Nonprofit coffee company
Exactly 103 homes have been weatherized since the beginning of November through the efforts of volunteers from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps in collaboration with EnergyCare.
Photo courtesy Big Stock
AmeriCorps volunteers winterize homes in region to help the vulnerable stay warm this winter
School
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Ukulele Club engages students
By Sara Hardin Exactly 103 homes have been weatherized since the beginning of November through the efforts of volunteers from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps in collaboration with EnergyCare. EnergyCare clients who are particularly vulnerable to the cold temperatures, including seniors, the disabled and critically ill, and families with children ages five-and-under are provided with the necessary assistance in order to guarantee a warm and energy-efficient winter season. “The weather evasion helps block out drafts, keep the homeowner warmer and cut down on their energy usage,” said Jana Ngugi, Services Supervisor for EnergyCare. “I think the AmeriCorps team really enjoyed getting in homes and helping people.” In previous years, EnergyCare sought out the help of volunteers from churches and local high schools in the winter weatherizing process. This year, the presence of the 11 AmeriCorps volunteers has helped to maximize the number of clients served over the course of just seven weeks. “The volunteers are really beneficial to EnergyCare by helping us reach more clients,” said Ngugi. “We’ve weatherized more homes than we have in years.”
Cindy Tran has been an Earth Team Leader for four months and has been a leader in this year’s weatherizing process. She explained that her team’s efforts have been incredibly rewarding for both the homeowners and the volunteers. “The benefits to weatherizing these homes are countless,” said Tran. “Some benefits include that homeowners are able to stay a little bit warmer with the drafts closed off. Second, there’s added prevention against weather related illnesses, and three, it saves these home owners a little bit of money on their gas/electric bill. My team was able to interact with these home owners and experience the hospitality of St. Louisans first hand. They were able to understand the impact they were making in their lives, and even more, they have come to appreciate the importance of the work they’re doing on a daily basis.” Between the efforts of the volunteers and weatherizing kits made available by EnergyCare for those who wish to go through the process themselves, EnergyCare Executive Director Tim O’Dea explains that hopes are to continue maximizing the number of inneed homeowners served into future years.
“Cold, drafty homes cause real suffering for low-income people in St. Louis. AmeriCorps NCCC have enabled EnergyCare to weatherize far more,” said O’Dea. “These young people are on a great mission of service and St. Louis appreciates the help they are providing.” For more information about EnergyCare, visit energycare.org.
“Over the Fence”
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In Loving Menory
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