American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Stimulus Program Media Releases and FAQs

The Recovery Act provides stimulus funds for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Idaho.

Weatherization Assistance

The stimulus funds will be used to expand weatherization businesses and create weatherization jobs in Idaho, while helping existing businesses that produce the vehicles, insulation, windows, doors and HVAC equipment needed for increased weatherization production.  Reduced energy demand decreases the environmental impact of energy consumption.

Low and middle income households will benefit from decreased utility bills and increased health and safety.   The households will be able to spend the freed up resources on food, clothing, healthcare and education. 

CAPAI Weatherization FAQs

Q1) How much stimulus money is Idaho receiving through the Federal Recovery Act for weatherization of low and middle income households?

$30,341,929

Q2) How long will the funding continue?

Idaho’s plan is to expend the funding and complete production at the end of two years with 75% of the funding spent in the first 18 months.

Q3) What is weatherization?

CAPAI defines weatherization as the practice of modifying a low or middle income residence to reduce energy consumption and optimize energy efficiency.  Currently, it is not renewable energy installations, for example, solar panel installation.

Q4) Who qualifies under the stimulus guidelines?

To qualify, households must be at or below 200% of poverty and meet home audit requirements for the installation of weatherization measures.

Q5) Since weatherization is 200% of poverty will Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also be 200% of poverty?

LIHEAP qualification requirement will remain at 150%.

Q6) How do I apply for weatherization services?

The weatherization application process remains unchanged.  To apply, please contact your local Community Action Partnership.  To identify which Community Action Partnership agency is in your area, please click here.

Q7) Are there jobs being created by the stimulus that I can apply for?

Information on the impact of stimulus funding on anti-poverty initiatives in Idaho, including job creation, can be found on this link.

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federal block grant which funds over 1,000 Community Action Partnerships nationwide to fight the causes and conditions of poverty in their communities.

FAQs coming soon

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program Federal program helps supplement the diets of low-income persons, including elderly people and children, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program FAQs

Q1) How does the TEFAP benefit from the Recovery Act Stimulus fund?

Idaho has received a total of $481,267 for operations and food purchasing in 2009. $384,821 was obligated to purchase food through the United States Department of Agriculture.  297,104 pounds of food were purchased with the obligated funds.  Delivery will begin as early as May 2009.  

2010 funding will differ from funding provided in 2009, due to changes in poverty and unemployment levels within the State and will be determined in August 2009.

Q2) How long will the funding last?

Until September 30, 2010

Q3) What is TEFAP?

TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income individuals by providing them with healthful foods at no cost. 

Q4) Who is eligible to receive TEFAP?

1. Households with income at or below 133% of poverty. 

2. Organizations distributing commodities for household consumption or by organizations that provide prepared meals.

Q5) How do I apply?

Contact your local Community Action Partnership for a list of Emergency Feeding Organizations within your area.  Click here to locate your local agency.