Gov. Lynch: Volunteers Needed To Help New Hampshire Families With Weatherization

For Immediate Release:                                          Contact: Colin Manning
Tuesday, October 14, 2008                               (603) 271-2121
                                                            (603) 361-4459 (cell)

Gov. Lynch: Volunteers Needed To Help
New Hampshire Families With Weatherization

CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today called for volunteers to assist with the state's weatherization efforts aimed at keeping New Hampshire families and seniors warm this winter.

The Governor, along with state officials and representatives from nonprofit organizations, viewed the state's StayWarm NH weatherization program at work at a Concord home this afternoon.

The StayWarm NH action plan sets a goal of providing weatherization assistance to approximately 5,000 LIHEAP eligible homes. The scope of weatherization services can run from fully insulating homes, which is handled by professional contractors, to assisting with weather stripping and window sealing, which will be handled by volunteers.

"The state has doubled its commitment to weatherization for the coming winter, but the StayWarm NH program needs volunteers to help reach as many homes as possible," Gov. Lynch said.

Between now and Dec. 1, the StayWarm NH team is looking for individuals and businesses who can spend one to two days volunteering for the weatherization effort. The StayWarm NH weatherization action plan is calling for the weatherization of approximately 5,000 LIHEAP eligible homes, which would require several hundred volunteers.

Weatherizing homes can save families on their energy usage and their energy bills, which are savings that can carry over from year to year.

The state is partnering with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and a dozen volunteer organizations to coordinate volunteers, and citizen and corporate fundraising to expand and accelerate the StayWarm NH weatherization capabilities.

"New Hampshire works best when we work together - public agencies, businesses and nonprofits, local and state, neighbor to neighbor. That's what is happening with the StayWarm NH coalition and scores of local grassroots efforts to prepare for winter," said Dick Ober, vice president of civic leadership and communications for the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

"Our common goal is to help more residents stay warm, stay safe, and stay connected to one another - not just now, but in the years to come. The difficulty that some New Hampshire families face in heating their homes this winter is a short-term reminder that we need to make long-term changes in energy policy and practice," Ober said.

"The number one concern I hear from families is how they, their neighbors and their parents are going to afford to heat their homes this winter. They worry that they may need to go without other essentials - such as food or needed medication - in order to stay warm this winter," Gov. Lynch said. "That is why it we are calling on volunteers to come forward and help with this effort to keep New Hampshire families warm this winter."

To volunteer for the StayWarm NH weatherization team, call 271-7211. For further information regarding the state's efforts, go to www.staywarmnh.org , or call the 2-1-1 information hotline.