Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot Homes Grants Program

The Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program is intended to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, provide gap funding for health and safety repairs, and offer climate adaptations for low- and moderate-income homes in Montgomery County.

HEECAP provides $1.5 million to competitively selected community partners to pilot various strategies to fix problems and improve the indoor environment so that:

1. Health and safety problems are repaired, allowing participation in state-offered efficiency and weatherization programs.
2. The home can be electrified to potentially improve indoor air quality, including removing fossil-fuel appliances.
3. DEP can gain experience with programmatic approaches to equity-oriented electrification and climate-adapted residences in partnership with community organizations.
4. Durability and climate resilience are enhanced for long term livability, health and safety.
5. Progress is made toward the 2021 Climate Action Plan (PDF) regarding existing building electrification (B-4, p. 138) and climate adaptation/adapting to climate hazards (A-5, p. 207).

HEECAP Grantees

The Department of Environmental Protection is pleased to offer funding to these four organizations for FY2024, with a performance period of June 3, 2024 to June 2, 2025.

• Building Change, Inc. The REROOFS (Renewable Energy Ready and Overcoming Obstacles for Solar) project will replace roofs on low- and moderate-income houses to allow weatherization projects to be completed through State-based programs, enable solar panels to be added and remediate mold problems caused by leaks. Battery storage systems will be piloted on a small number of homes with existing solar panels and where residents have critical power needs. 
• The Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland. Energy Equity Initiative (EEI) is designed to fill the gaps of program funding for critical home repairs and climate resiliency services and to connect LMI households with important tools to adapt to the changing climate. The EEI program will address the unique needs and challenges faced by underserved populations in transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. It will feature a holistic approach to these needs through a combination of retrofits, critical health and safety home repairs and community outreach efforts. The new program will empower local residents to transition to clean, efficient and resilient energy systems while improving their overall quality of life. 
• Interfaith Works, Inc. The Becky’s House improvement project includes roof repair, water damage repair, fuel switching projects and electrical upgrades for this Shared Supportive Housing facility located in Rockville. The repairs and upgrades will improve the quality of life for the residents, all of whom have experienced homelessness and need ongoing attention and support. 
• Vietnamese American Services, Inc. The goal of this program is to electrify home appliances for up to 90 LMI residents in Montgomery County, while increasing energy program awareness and community engagement among Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents.

Resources

Contact Us

For more information about energy efficiency and energy assistance programs available to County residents, visit the Montgomery Energy Connection website, call 301-7-ENERGY or email us.