Photo Caption: Presentation of Ceremonial $100,000 check to Sussex County Habitat for Humanity for insulated skirting for manufactured homes. (L to R) Jim Purcell, Grant Manager, Empowerment Grant Program; Michael D’Ovidio, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity; Kevin Gilmore, Execute Director, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity; Drew Slater, Public Advocate, Delaware Division of the Public Advocate; Reverend Tesha Miller, Board Member with Sussex County Habitat for Humanity

Will Fund Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving Systems to Lafayette Court

Wilmington Senior Center – Energize Delaware announced today that the Empowerment Grant Program (EGP), funded by the Exelon Merger for Delmarva Power Customers in Delaware, is awarding $150,000 to Wilmington Senior Center (WSC).  In its application, WSC proposed to install energy efficiency and energy saving systems to two identical buildings to reduce operating and utility costs, as well as residential utility bills. WSC will replace space heating boiler and controls, attic air sealing and insulation, compartment air sealing, ERV’s with insulated ductwork in attics, low flow toilets, apartment heat pumps, apartment lighting, exterior lighting, and interior common area lighting.

The Wilmington Senior Center is in historic Brandywine Village, a neighborhood of the City of Wilmington located across the Market Street Bridge from Wilmington’s Central Business District. The Center owns two buildings at 1803 and 1805 North Market Street Lafayette Court Senior Apartments, which provides 18 units of affordable housing for independent adults ages 55 and older. The apartments are handicapped accessible and friendly. A complimentary membership to the Wilmington Senior Center is available to Lafayette Court residents.

“The Wilmington Senior Center is grateful and excited to receive a grant of $150,00.00 from the Energize Delaware Empowerment Grant Program for Lafayette Court Apartments.  Without the financial support of the Small Grant Program we would not be able to achieve such critically needed improvements to two buildings that are over 220 years old.  Our residents will enjoy improved comfort in their apartments, as well as, reducing utility costs, and be more environmentally friendly.” says Kathleen Purcell, Executive Director of Wilmington Senior Center.

“I’m pleased to see the continued benefits this program is delivering for our customers and the communities we serve,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delmarva Power region president. “Upgrading these important community buildings with more modern and efficient equipment will not only improve comfort in the homes of residents but also deliver real savings month over month.”

Additional program details about the EGP, including program qualifications, requirements and how to submit proposals can be found at: www.empowergrantde.org.  A Facebook page – @EmpowerGrantDE; and a Twitter account – @EmpowerGrantDE; are also available for public interaction and information

About Empowerment Grant 

Energize Delaware was selected to be the grant manager for $4 million in funds designated for low income energy efficient programs for Delmarva Power customers. The funds originated from the Exelon\Delmarva Power Merger Settlement approved by the Delaware Public Service Commission. Energize Delaware will distribute the funds competitively to organizations capable of delivering energy efficiency programs to low income customers over a three-year period. Two distinct energy efficiency programs will be funded. Large-Scale energy efficiency programs and Community-Scale programs. Additional program details, including program qualifications, requirements and how to submit proposals can be found on the EGP website: www.empowergrantde.org.  A Facebook page – @EmpowerGrantDE; and a Twitter account – @EmpowerGrantDE; are also available for public interaction and information

About Wilmington Senior Center

Wilmington Senior Center provides programs that respond to critical community needs and help seniors experience healthy and independent aging, manage chronic disease effectively, and reduce the economic insecurity that plagues 1 in 3 older adults. Our Support Services focus on physical, mental, and social well-being. Activities include health & wellness classes and arts and cultural programs, as well as outside excursions.

The mission of the Wilmington Senior Center is to provide life-sustaining and life-enriching services, opportunities, and partnerships that have a positive impact on older adults? physical, mental, and social well-being, and that contribute to future generations. Wilmington Senior Center provides programs that respond to critical community needs and help seniors experience healthy and independent aging, manage chronic disease effectively, and reduce the economic insecurity that plagues 1 in 3 older adults. Our Support Services focus on physical, mental, and social well-being. Activities include health & wellness classes and arts and cultural programs, as well as outside excursions.

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