Connecticut's REACH Program Evaluation
Summary
Abstract
The State Department of Social Services contracted with the Connecticut Association for Community Action for development and management of the REACH program with services provided by three community action agencies. The program was designed to assist low-income, high energy burden households who use oil for heating to reduce costs and achieve energy self-sufficiency through a variety of workshops and other educational opportunities.
Duration
September 2004 - March 2008
Grant Amount
$607,753 (2004 funds)
Goals
The main objective of the program was to help high energy burden households, that heat with oil, reduce costs, increase energy efficiency and achieve energy self-sufficiency through savings, education, establishing budget plans with oil vendors and by addressing underlying issues of poverty.
Client Eligibility
Target population was households who heat with fuel oil, have high energy burdens, an annual income that does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and who also receive other energy assistance services.
Client Services
Services provided included :
- workshops and one-on-one meetings provided financial literacy education, financial planning, asset development strategies and energy conservation
- case management addressed housing, employment and education training, energy and other bill payment, health care, health insurance, tax preparation and weatherization
- establishing an Energy Savings Account
- establishing budget plans with oil vendors
- weatherization
- safety net services
- incentives such as matching funds for savings, bonus payments, help paying debts and repairing bad credit
Outcome
Pre- and post-program evaluations showed that REACH clients were motivated and often successful at conserving energy and saving money. They enjoyed participating in educational workshops and were interested in involving their families in the efforts. For some elderly clients a one-on-one approach was found to be more effective for education.
In general, it was demonstrated that the program is an effective tool for helping low-income individuals and families increase their energy self-sufficiency. Additional financial resources for continuing the program would result in favorable cost-benefit outcomes.
Contact the LIHEAP Clearinghouse for the full-text evaluation report.
Page Last Updated: September 19, 2008
