Here's the good stuff that came out of our most recent Barnraisings:

Since our event in January, 2013 as part of the Mass Service Alliance's MLK Day of Service, sisters Linda and Susan are feeling much warmer in their home! Because of you, they are now saving at least $277 every year on their heating, electric and water bills.  In addition, Linda and Susan are now preventing over 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide from polluting the environment - every year!

Since our event in October, 2012 The Huynh family and their tenants on Russell Street will now save over $1,200 a year in water, electric and heating bills!  They will use nearly 33,000 fewer gallons of water each year and they will prevent nearly 4,000  pounds of carbon dioxide from going into our air each year!

Here's what barnraising volunteers have said about these great events:

"I really enjoyed accomplishing something that will make a difference for the people living in that home."

"The leaders did a great job building a sense of community and teamwork among the volunteers."

"I have made improvements on my rented property and my parents' home with the knowledge that I gained from WATCH's barnraisings."

"I was a barnraising recipient. I am forever grateful to all the volunteers who did the work. I would love to be able to do physical work but I have mobility problems. I would love to contribute cake or brownies [in the future] to keep the energy level up!"

"I have LOVED getting to meet new people and work on a shared project together." 

 WATCH's Healthy Homes program helps Waltham families reduce energy use, save money on water, electric and heating bills, reduce exposure to toxins at home, and help protect our environment! Not only that, but WATCH's energy efficiency barnraiisng events are a lot of fun!

The main part of Healthy Homes is the the energy efficiency barnraising. Picture this:

25 - 30 volunteers gather at a 2 - 4 family home in Waltham.  The home is probably over 100 years old. The residents of that home have been struggling to pay their heating and other bills. And they've been pretty cold during the winter.  The volunteers and the owners and tenants of the home split into teams and get trained on simple, but important improvements. They learn how to address water use, electricity, leaky doors and windows, a leaky basement and attic -- and anything else that is needed!  When it's all done, the whole group gathers for to share lunch.

The work may involve putting in new shower heads, spray foam insulation, compact flourescent light bulbs, new window latches, a programmable thermostat, caulking in key areas and so much more.  Weeks before the actual event, WATCH staff audit the home with our technical experts from HEET. At that time, we determine what work we will do and which materials we will need. 

At a barnraising, you help protect the environment and you help a local family protect their tight budget. Plus, as a volunteer, you learn how to save money at your own home!

volunteers get serious saving water and preventing air leaks in the basement

The second part of the Healthy Homes program is around deeper weatherization and energy efficiency services. WATCH  helps local families who qualify for fuel assistance connect to free, more intense weatheriation services like blown in insulation from Menotomy (run through the Town of Arlington, but serving Waltham). Higher income families can access deeply discounted services through Mass Save. If families set up their Mass Save energy audit or solar panel audit through Next Step Living and mention WATCH, we get a small donation and you get more in depth advice about a range of energy saving services - beyond just what the Mass Save program covers.

Want your home to be the site of the next energy efficiency barnraising?

Want to volunteer at a barnraising?

Want to learn more about how to get fuel assistance or a Mass Save energy audit?

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at 781-891-6689 x206

Also: Check out the Healthy Homes Guidebook! It provides recipes for healthy cleaning supplies, directions on how to recycle problem items, information on indoor air quality, and a whole slew of other resources.  You can also stop by the WATCH office to get your very own hard copy.