Press Releases
County Executive Elrich, Council Vice President Katz to Help Launch ‘Happy, Healthy Homes Green Initiative’ on Wednesday, May 8, to Help Low-Income Families Save on Energy Costs
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council Vice President Sidney Katz, County Director of Environmental Protection Adam Ortiz and Montgomery Housing Partnership President Robert Goldman will be among those helping launch a new initiative on Wednesday, May 8, that aims to help low-income families reduce their energy bills. The “Happy, Health Homes Green Initiative” is a partnership program between the County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP).
The program will kick off from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the lobby of MHP’s Beall’s Grant Apartments located at 254 N. Washington St. in Rockville.
DEP’s Residential Energy Program and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP), the largest nonprofit provider of affordable housing in Montgomery County, are jointly working to address a national issue that finds low-income households spending a larger portion of their income on home energy costs than other households.
Part of the initiative will work toward making low-income families aware of energy assistance programs that are available to County residents. In addition, there are numerous useful “green” programs for which low-income residents may be eligible.
DEP and MHP have created the “Happy, Healthy Homes Welcome Bag” to distribute information about these resources at all MHP properties. The housing organization has properties located in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton.
The eco-friendly bags will be filled with information to help MHP residents:
Reduce their utility bills with energy-saving tips and information about energy assistance and budget billing utility programs.
Recycle materials properly and reduce waste.
Take advantage of savings available via transportation assistance and transit-oriented programs (such as Capital BikeShare, RideOn).
The Department of Environmental Protection’s Energy Program strives to help residents and businesses reduce energy use and achieve the County’s ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. More information is available at montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP or by calling DEP Residential Energy Program Manager Larissa Johnson at 240-777-7711.
Montgomery Housing Partnership is celebrating its 30th year of preserving and expanding quality affordable housing. More information is available at https://www.mhpartners.org/ or by calling Charlotte Garvey at 301-807-8819.
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Media Contact: Larissa Johnson 240-777-7711