Raise the Roof bolsters homes for winter

Soaring fuel costs and plummeting temperatures of an Indiana winter will soon force residents to do all they can to bolster their homes for the harsh months ahead. But for the 12,000 people in Monroe County the U.S. Census Bureau reports are living below the poverty line, preparation for the harsh months ahead can be difficult, even impossible.\nOne Bloomington program developed to fight the onslaught of winter was last week's second annual Raise the Roof program. Organized by the city's Housing and Urban Development department, Raise the Roof employs area volunteers to help needy residents by fixing up homes and tuning furnaces at no cost.\nCommunity volunteers, under the direction of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department, bustled about the perimeters of the homes sweeping gutters to prevent ice buildup and filling cracks in the walls and foundations with caulk to stop freezing drafts. Gaps in windowpanes were filled and air conditioners were wrapped to create a solid seal from the elements. A light atmosphere filled with friendly conversation among volunteers and homeowners kept morale high throughout the afternoon.\n Bruce Jennings, housing coordinator of HAND directed the efforts of the community volunteers. Teams were composed of employees from local businesses wishing to contribute their time to improving the quality of life within the community.\n This year, 12 homes were inspected and repaired by employees of the Monroe County Bank and members of the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church over the course of two days. Volunteers sought out any damage or weathering in the structures that would lead to a loss of heat in hopes of saving the residents money by decreasing the amount of fuel used this winter.\nJennings said he was very pleased with the efforts and positive attitudes of the volunteers. \n"Most of the elderly people we help can't clean their gutters and tear off when they fill with ice," he said. "They also have a hard time sealing off window air conditioners and end up having a window open all winter. These guys can come in and take care of all these problems in about 45 minutes."\nAmy Zakutansky, a first-time Raise the Roof volunteer, said she thought the program was a good idea for people interested in volunteering.\n"This is a good way to get acquainted with the community and learn about different programs you can be involved in that make a difference," Zakutansky said.\nAfter a final spot check around the home by Jennings, the team is ready to move on to the next home. Tools are packed and dirt is brushed off elbows and knees. One stage of the program is complete now that the fortifications are in place. Over the next two weeks, four professional heating firms will inspect the furnaces and fill the freshly sealed homes with reliable heat.\nAndy Dodds of All Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning Co. works with local contractors to ensure enough skilled technicians will be available for the work. Technicians from Keller Heating and Air Conditioning, BMB Heating and Cooling, Commercial Service of Bloomington Inc. and All Seasons Heating will perform routine inspections of furnaces, which will include checking the function of safety controls, testing the burners and inspecting the fan and motor for damage or wear.\n"Technicians from each of the four companies will replace items like filters, drive belts and thermocouples at no cost to the home owner," Dodds said. "If someone needs a new fan motor or other expensive parts then we can be reimbursed by the city for the materials used."\nThe inspections and repairs are incorporated into the service call rounds of the technicians so they can schedule the work when they are in the area and can devote their time to the cause. If a furnace is condemned upon inspection, Dodds then notifies the HAND offices and encourages the technicians to explain procedures to the homeowner in order to have the unit replaced by the city.\n"This program provides a way companies can give something back since we take from the community every day as a business", said Dodds.\nThe complementary inspection alone saves the homeowner over $50. The total savings can amount to hundreds of dollars if a furnace is eventually replaced through city-funded programs.\nDodds said it is not difficult to find companies willing to donate the time and manpower to Raise the Roof. \n"This program is great for the companies because they can provide a service that focuses on their expertise," he said. "The technicians are willing to help out the community and the people are so appreciative they have tears in their eyes. Everyone involved benefits from the program"