STOP Org. helping warm up our community

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Money from the economic stimulus package is coming to Hampton Roads. Some of those funds will go to the "Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project," or STOP. The organization was created in 1965 to help the community.

One of the services STOP offers is weatherizing your home. But, do you qualify for the free service.

Homeowner Linda showed us her home and how the STOP Organization helped weatherize it.

Howard, who lives on a fixed income, is excited about the new weather stripping and heating system installed just days ago by the STOP organization's weatherization team. She knows the improvements will keep her home toasty.

"It was very cold. I had to put curtains at the front door and the dining room door and I had two electric heaters running trying to stay warm," Howard explained to WAVY.com.

Now that the STOP Organization is receiving federal stimulus money, more homeowners like Howard will be helped to keep their homes air tight.

STOP Organization President and CEO Edith Jones expects to hire more workers for weatherization crews and provide more services going from a 4 to 5 day work schedule.

"We've always known the need was here. We always responded as we could, but there was never enough money. Based upon the stimulus, we're given a chance to serve so many more people," explained Jones.

She says with the stimulus money comes a change in the income requirement needed to qualify. Those turned away in the past can now receive assistance. She says there are close to 50 households on the waiting list.

If you'd like more information about STOP's weatherization program, call 858-1360.

Related Link: STOP Organization's Website