SEAFORD, Del.- Making a difference in the lives of homeowners and our environment.
Habitat for Humanity across Delaware is installing new energy-efficient refrigerators for people who need them. The purpose is to lower costs and use less energy. It is expected that people can save $250 a month from an energy-saving appliance.
The first recipient received hers about a month after the launch of the program. Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Michael D'Ovidio was there to help deliver the refrigerator.
"It's great. I have worked with Ms. Stanley, our recipient on several other fronts," D'Ovidio said. "She is a wonderful woman. I am glad we could do this for her and it went very well."
It only costs fifty dollars to the homeowner to have their refrigerator replaced for delivery and picking up the old one. Habitat will recycle the old refrigerators. Only Delmarva Power customers are eligible for the program.
The Refrigerator Replacement Program is a small part of Sussex County Habitat's transition to work other than building houses. The Neighborhood Revitalization Program also includes an insulated skirting program. This is another way that energy can be used efficiently and it is expected to drop costs by 25 percent.
Leaders at Habitat, including Executive Director Kevin Gilmore, are excited to step into this space and find more ways to help people live affordably.
"In Sussex County, we have about 150 refrigerators and statewide we have about 450 refrigerators," Gilmore said. "We see that as a great opportunity to improve that appliance and lower those utility costs."
Making an impact one refrigerator at a time.
Visit sussexcountyhabitat.org/neighborhood-revitalization to find out if you are eligible to apply.