Energy Services Help 150-Year Old Cabin Remain Safe and Warm
We had heard of Couleecap and the Weatherization program, but we live in a 150-year-old cabin and didn’t know what they could do,” -Janet Couleecap Participant
Couleecap’s Energy Services program touches many individuals andfamilies annually. Over the course of a serving a million clients through Couleecap over time, weatherization remains one of the most visible and well-known programs across the four-county region that Couleecap serves. Among the million served are Janet Kruk and Mark Katz of County. The pair have lived in their quaint, quirky, and nearly 150-year-old cabin since the 1980’s. Utilizing only a hand pump, outhouse and a rotating cast of wood stoves in the beginning, the couple made upgrades, including indoor plumbing over the decades, as they were able. However, as the years went by, despite the small upgrades, they continued to notice the drafts in their home growing stronger and their heating bill continuing to climb.
“We had heard of Couleecap and the Weatherization program, but we live in a 150-year-old cabin and didn’t know what they could do,” Janet noted with a bit of a chuckle gesturing to the exposed logs of the cabin walls.
“It also didn’t occur to us to reach out. We didn’t feel like we were among the neediest people out there since we weren’t in crisis and we work at living modestly,” Mark also explained. “But when we looked at the numbers and saw that we qualified, we spoke with family members and friends who had worked with Couleecap we decided to inquire about the program.”
The couple shared that when they were approved and the work was scheduled, they were blown away by how amazing, kind and thorough the crews were. “The crews really seemed to enjoy what they were doing,” Janet shared. “What really impressed us was how they took the time to explain everything to us and show us the difference inefficiency through their tests.”
Although they continue to burn wood during the brutal cold months, the pair is relieved to know that through this energy efficiency work, they will be able to utilize other forms of heat more effectively during the winter months as they continue to age.
“We encourage anyone to reach out to Couleecap if they’reconsidering the program,” Mark explained. “You have nothing to lose, and these people are so kind.”
