Illinois REACH Program Evaluation

 Abstract
The Illinois REACH project, titled Sustainable Energy Burden Reduction to Elderly Homeowners, was completed through a partnership with Berwyn/Cicero Council on Aging (C.O.B.), Commonwealth Edison, NICOR Gas Company and Commonwealth Edison Company.

Duration
Three years: 1998 through 2000

Grant Amount
$166,667

Goals
The goals of the Illinois REACH program were to improve the quality of life for elderly homeowners, to reduce their energy usage by 10 percent and to increase health and safety for each participant.

Client Eligibility
Retired elderly homeowners who were LIHEAP participants.

Client Services
The interventions where applicable included:

• Client enrollment
• Energy usage analysis
• Comprehensive weatherization
• Household counseling and home visits
• Budget management
• Post evaluation on energy conservation

Each of the 60 LIHEAP elderly homeowners who participated in the REACH program agreed to receive a needs assessment, comprehensive weatherization, appliance replacement, budget counseling and to allow access to their utility usage for the three winter periods the program operated.

The investment of weatherization work averaged $3,400 per home including material and labor. Attic insulation, wall insulation, furnace repair or replacement, replacement of doors, windows and caulking were typical measures applied to homes. Roof repairs were also completed in some homes.

Outcomes
The project outcomes have not been determined as of March 2003. The results from the energy usage data are in the process of being evaluated.

Contact: Art Warnke, Energy Specialist
Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs,
Community and Economic Development Assoc. of Cook Co., Inc.
620 E. Adams, Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-558-2886

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005