SPOKANE, Wash. — A local organization distributed hundreds of free weatherization kits Thursday to help Inland Northwest families prepare their homes for winter’s arrival.
Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP) handed out bright orange bags filled with energy-saving tools at the Catalyst Building on Sprague.
“There are tons of weatherstripping, window plastic, energy efficient light bulbs and night lights. There are draft stoppers, which are incredibly helpful,” said Sara Hofstee, operations manager at McKinstry, which partners with SNAP on the program.
The weatherization kits are meant to help families living in older homes that struggle with energy efficiency during cold months. SNAP previously distributed the kits door-to-door but has shifted to centralized distribution events.
Hofstee became involved with the program after receiving assistance herself while living in an older apartment. She needed help not just with energy bills, but also keeping her home warm during winter months.
“Spokane has a lot of older homes, so we really try to target a lot of the South Hill as well, because they’ve got those older homes that need that weatherization,” Hofstee said. “We are really just trying to target families in need.”
The program has expanded this due to increased demand. This year, they made 1,000 kits, up from 600 last year.
For residents who missed Thursday’s distribution, SNAP will have additional kits at their office. The organization also offers comprehensive energy audits for homes requiring more extensive weatherization beyond what the basic kits provide.
“We’re able to tell you exactly what it is in your home that we can do to help improve your use of your energy and your consumption, for the most part,” said Michelle Howard, SNAP energy conservation specialist.
For more information on keeping your home warm and energy efficient and on SNAP’s services, visit www.snapwa.org. To inquire about picking up a weatherization kit, call SNAP at 509-456-SNAP (7627).
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