Now more than ever our neighbors, friends and relatives are suffering through devastating economic times.

Helping others throughout the county makes our association a positive force in the community. There are two programs being offered in the county that are win-win propositions for landlords and residents alike.

The Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency, (OLHSA), is providing a weatherization program for low

income residents in Oakland and Livingston counties. The program is a FREE service funded by the Federal Department of Energy (DOE) and administered by the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). The

program provides free energy conservation services for eligible low-income households. DHS contracts with

OLHSA to operate the program. The Agency determines applicant eligibility, performs the necessary inspections and contracts with qualified, licensed and insured private contractors to complete the work. Their services reduce energy use and lower utility bills, thus creating more self sufficient households. This service includes:

• Combustion appliance testing
• Installing ceiling insulation/ventilation
• Sidewall and floor insulation
• Interior sealing of major cold-air infiltration, areas utilizing blower door technology
• The program is also available to tenant residents. Renters must have their landlord:
• Complete and sign landlord agreement
• Provide proof of ownership
• Provide two copies of lease agreement signed by both landlord and applicant

This is a great opportunity to improve your property and at the same time cut your tenant’s energy costs. For more information on the Weatherization Program, visit www.olhsa.org or call 248-209-2760.

I’d like to thank Jerry McKay, vice-president and Al Kaczkowski, executive director of Rebuilding Together-Oakland County (RTOC) for taking time to present their program at November’s meeting. If you missed the meeting, they are looking to identify owner-occupied properties throughout Oakland County for their one day program on the last Saturday of April each year. The work is all done by volunteers in each community. The typical projects they undertake are:

• Yard clean up and landscaping
• Handicap ramp construction
• Handicap safety fixture installation
• Interior and exterior painting

RTOC focuses on helping low-income elderly, disabled, military veterans and families with young children. I have volunteered the last four years working on homes in Farmington Hills. I can attest to the great work they do in improving the life of a homeowner but also the improvement of all the residents living in proximity of the house. Please review their program at www.rebuildingtogether-oaklandcounty.org. I am sure there is someone living next door or across the street from one of your properties that needs assistance. Get them an application; everyone on the block will benefit.

Joe Hejka, President

REIA of Oakland