Some Flint households may be eligible for water heater replacement

 

LANSING, Mich. – Homes in Flint with either children or seniors ages 60 and older may be eligible for water heater replacement through a grant program for low-income households.   The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Community Action and Economic Opportunity is collaborating with Genesee County Community Action Resource Department (GCCARD) to provide an additional $1.2 million for water heater replacement. The expanded funding comes from federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and state general funds.   In addition to the new water heater replacement funding, MDHHS and GCCARD also have been collaborating to provide funding to Flint residents for home weatherization upgrades to increase energy efficiency while helping provide a healthy home environment.   “Water heater replacement and home weatherization upgrades are some of the many services available as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to support Flint residents in need,” said Sheryl Thompson, MDHHS deputy director for Field Operations Administration.   Water heater replacement funding includes $900,000 to replace 425 water heaters for TANF-eligible households that are customers of the city of Flint water system. To be eligible, households must have an income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and have at least one child under age 18. The remaining $300,000 is to replace 150 water heaters in senior households that are customers of the city of Flint water system. To be eligible, households must have an income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level and a resident age 60 or older.   GCCARD will verify household eligibility, replace water heaters in eligible homes in accordance with technical federal and state polices, and report results. To be eligible for replacement, water heaters must be at least 4 years old and either not working or leaking.   Flint residents who have questions or need more information about water heater replacement or weatherization can call GCCARD at 810-787-0199. The state previously provided $400,000 in fiscal year 2017 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2016 to GCCARD as part of the weatherization program and to replace water heaters for Flint families.