About Us
The Florida Weatherization Network is a membership organization that supports the needs of agencies providing weatherization services to low income homeowners. Formed in mid-2011, the network seeks to improve the capacity of providers, facilitate communication and planning, and inform the public about weatherization developments in Florida.
Making a Difference
The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy bills for families in need, lessens the nation's dependence on foreign oil, and moves the country toward a sustainable economy. Nationwide, the average amount saved by households on energy bills after weatherization is $437 annually.
About Florida Providers
Weatherization services in Florida are provided by 24 nonprofit agencies and local governments. See the list of weatherization providers in Florida for contact information.
Read about Florida weatherization in the news.
Read what clients have to say and see local videos.
Check out our success stories and feature articles.
News and Announcements
"Weatherization Works in Florida" is more than a slogan. The Department of Energy gave notice on May 9 that Florida is the 10th highest weatherization producer in the nation, achieving 128% of production goals set in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. Norm Gempel, Manager of the Florida Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), sent his congratulations to all weatherization
provider agencies.
At the national level, DOE reported that over 729,000 homes have been weatherized through March 2012, amounting to 125% of the planned ARRA production. In the first quarter of 2012, WAP was ranked as the highest ARRA job creating program, with over 10,388 jobs still supported. "These numbers are real achievements and testaments to the great work being done around the country to help families live in healthier, cleaner, more energy efficient homes," says Bob Scott, director of the National Association for State Community Services Programs.
FWN Update
Feature Articles
"A resident will typically never interact with us directly," says Nancy Muller, policy director for the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC). Floridians in search of down payment, mortgage, or rental assistance may talk with bank representatives, developers, property managers, housing counselors, or government agencies, but any help they receive will likely have the imprint of FHFC's behind-the-scene work.
The debate over funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in fiscal year 2013 is underway in Washington. The outcome of this debate is not based on the merits of WAP alone, but on larger political issues in which WAP is caught in the midst.
There is a political battle raging in Washington over the future of government safety net programs that assist the poor, the elderly, and the unemployed. Those who want to cut back or abolish the various programs generally argue that the nation can ill afford them and that taxes must be kept low if the market economy is to thrive. Those who advocate for the continuation or expansion of these programs counter that these programs protect the most vulnerable and needy in our society and, most tellingly, boost the market economy.
Upcoming training courses and workshops
Weatherization Plus Health: Healthy Homes Training Conference, Tallahassee, May 30-31. The Florida Department of Health's Healthy Homes Program is offering a unique training opportunity, free of charge, for those interested in becoming credentialed Healthy Homes Specialists.
For background, see this recently produced slide presentation:
The Florida Weatherization Network will hold a statewide training conference in Kissimmee on June 14. The meeting will focus on developing partnerships and leveraging resources, continuing the conversation among stakeholders begun on March 20.