MACON, MO. -- Strengthening housing improvements for Missouri’s low income families.  That’s the focus of the Department of Natural Resource’s (DNR) “Energize Missouri Housing Initiative”. Representatives from DNR held a public meeting to help educate folks about creating innovative approaches for weatherizing the homes of low-income families.

In early 2010 the DNR will request grant proposals.  They’ll hand out millions of dollars in federal government Recovery and Reinvestment funding for projects designed to improve the state’s “Low Income Weatherization Assistance” program.

“With the economy the way it is, individuals losing jobs, lower income...the need is growing.  We're pleased to have the additional stimulus money to better serve the low income individuals in the state of Missouri,” Valerie Johnson, a consultant with the Missouri DNR Weatherization Program said.

One person attending the meeting is excited that after years of barely getting by, her office can finally help more families.

"The money just wasn't there.  So this is the first time we've kind of taken a deep breath and we could buy some vehicles and that kind of thing.  So we are...my department has just exploded," Ronda Wickham, Weatherization Director of the Missouri Valley Community Action Agency said.

Only community action agencies, public entities and non-profit groups are eligible to receive grant funding.  Proposals can benefit specific low-income individuals, neighborhoods, or communities.  For more information you can contact your local Community Action Agency or go to the following websites:

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1254.pdf

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/ENERGY/weatherization/wx.htm