Government Stimulus Or The Human Touch
By Thomas D. Segel
January 31, 2009
Page 2 of 2
Loaves and Fishes is leading the effort to correct an impossible situation by assisting in resolving some of the problems caused by Hurricane Dolly. It has obtained two grants to help fund this effort. One grant from AEP Texas Central/Frontier Management, whose parent company is American Electric Power, is designed to improve weatherization and increase electric efficiency. The grant will allow the replacement of hurricane damaged attic insulation, duct sealing, solar screens and even replace damaged appliances with Energy Star window air conditioners, ceiling fans and refrigerators, along with compact florescent lamps.
The second grant, from the Meadows Foundation of Dallas, Texas will provide low-income families in Cameron and Willacy Counties some weatherization assistance. It will allow Loaves and Fishes to do non-structural repairs on homes that have received hurricane damage. Such repairs include replacement of roofing, broken windows or structural holes caused by the storm. This project, because dollars are limited, will focus on helping the elderly, the disabled and families with young children. Work is almost underway. The staff have already held 35 client interviews and conducted 17 energy audits.
The needs are far greater than any one organization can ever hope to meet, but Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley is doing everything humanly possible to offer a helping hand. Perhaps that is why it has grown from a small soup kitchen into a huge multi-assistance program, while such things as political promises and economic stimulus assistance are still waiting to become a reality.
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Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA. >> Back -- Page 1 2
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