Supporting our community has never been more important. That’s why, during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, EfficiencyOne, Nova Scotia Power, and the Government of Nova Scotia agreed to redirect $3 million from the HomeWarming program to address urgent needs in communities across the province.
The funding went to a number of organizations providing necessities like food and shelter to individuals and families. This included prepared meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels and the VON’s Frozen Favourites, and programs that help meet the needs of older Nova Scotians such as the Seniors’ Safety Program and Community Links. $1 million went to the United Way’s Atlantic Compassion Fund for families and youth.
“We’re so grateful for the creativity and leadership of EfficiencyOne during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their contribution to United Way’s Atlantic Compassion Fund not only helped support vulnerable families and youth in our province when they needed it most, it also helped inspire other organizations to step up and give back.”
Sara Napier, President & CEO, United Way
The HomeWarming program provides free energy efficient upgrades to income qualified homeowners across Nova Scotia, lowering their energy bills and making their homes more comfortable. Delivery of the program was temporarily suspended to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, creating a unique opportunity to use program funds for Nova Scotians who were feeling the fallout of COVID-19. To date, over 16,000 Nova Scotians have participated in the HomeWarming program, including Mahone Bay musician Jon Mullane.
“It was really cold…not really the most comfortable house…”,
says Jon of his 120-year-old home before he received free energy efficient upgrades. His home was upgraded with additional insulation in the basement, attic, mudroom and crawlspaces, as well as draft-proofing around many of the windows.
“There’s a huge noticeable difference in the cost of heating, and how it feels. If you want to get warm, we joke ‘just go down to the basement’ because now that’s the warmest part of the house.”