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2011-2012 Energy Assistance Program

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Rebekah

The 2011-2012 Energy Assistance Program is already heading underway! Applications are being mailed from the state office so that previous recipients are able to fill out their application and submit it to our office. All other requested applications will be mailed out after this first batch, so if you haven’t received yours yet and you requested one…Don’t Worry! You should be receiving one shortly.

If you have never applied for Energy Assistance, I encourage you to check out our energy page (http://tricap.org/energy_assistance_err.html)to check the income guidelines to see if you’re eligible and call our office to request an application. The energy program provides a grant disbursement to help with energy bills. The grant does not pay the entire bill, but does provide some relief during these coming winter months. While the program does run until May 31st, funds do not always last that long, so apply early on.

As always, please call our office and speak with our energy staff with any questions or concerns you may have. We would be more than happy to answer your questions!

Posted in Energy

EAP Breaks Another Record!

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Rebekah

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is coming down to its final weeks, but is still going strong! As a recap, EAP is a program designed to assist income eligible households with their heat and electric bills. The Minnesota EAP runs from October 1st through May 31st. With the economy the way that it is, the need for programs like EAP is becoming increasingly necessary more than ever before.  The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program has once again broken another record for households served for the third year in a row, which just shows the tremendous need there is!

Thanks to all of the service providers for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to community members, churches, vendors and business that have donated to the energy programs. Without the support, EAP wouldn’t be where it is today. Looking forward to an even more successful 2011-2012 EAP year!

Posted in Energy

Small groups — big changes

Posted on April 6, 2011 by Patrick Shepard

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Margaret Mead’s observance is often quoted because it’s so true. Just look around – in Central Minnesota, we have many groups of thoughtful committed citizens working to change the community. During a time of budget cuts to human services, these groups are keeping hope alive for those who need it most, whether it’s providing resources to the homeless, rallying the community to welcome home soldiers, or creating opportunities for African immigrants and refugees to learn new skills.

One notable group is the African Women’s Alliance (AWA), which provides a voice for African women in Central Minnesota. In existence for two years, what began as a small group of women looking to help female African immigrants and refugees in our area, is now a nonprofit making a huge impact on Central Minnesota. Priorities include: Education, health and wellness, and self-sufficiency. To achieve these goals, AWA partners with Independent School District 742 to ensure all students succeed in school; works in tandem with the Central Minnesota Sustainability Project on gardening, nutrition and food preservation education; develops opportunities for women to learn new job skills; and encourages other African women’s groups to forge their own connections to the community.

The group also collaborates with Tri-CAP’s Leadership Outreach program, encouraging new Americans – and long-time residents – to develop their leadership skills and discover new ways to get involved with the community. What truly sets AWA apart, however, is its inclusiveness and willingness to work on behalf of women and children from all cultures. Its Board is a reflection of the St. Cloud area, with participation from many different communities.

If you want to know more about AWA or Tri-CAP’s Leadership Outreach program, please contact Mary Christen Czech at Tri-CAP, (320) 251-1612.

AWA Leadership

Posted in Updates Tagged , , , ,

It’s that time of year again!

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Patrick Shepard

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to prepare for another stressful, expensive time of year. (No – not “paying-off-holiday-credit-card-debt season”!) I’m talking, of course, about tax season. Even for those of us who can afford to have someone else do our taxes or have the ability to do them ourselves, the ordeal is pretty stressful.
Imagine if you didn’t know how to fill out even some of the basic forms (like me). What if you don’t know about the special tax credits and refunds available? For example: Did you know that some families are eligible for school expense refunds like notebooks, pencils, music lessons and educational software? I didn’t.
When a genius like Albert Einstein says, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax,” you know you need to call in someone to help you figure out those dreaded forms.
But what if you don’t have the resources to pay someone to help you? You might end up losing money because you missed tax deductions or credits for which you’re eligible; you might even mistakenly pay in to the IRS instead of getting a refund.
Sadly, that is the reality for many of Tri-CAP’s customers and low-income persons. However, help is available for eligible, low-income tax payers.
Tri-CAP offers free (yes, free!) walk-in tax clinics through the IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Staffed by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who are knowledgeable about special tax credits, you’ll get the help you need to make this tax season less stressful and, perhaps, get you a well-deserved refund. Choose from three sites in St. Cloud – Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and St. Cloud Technical Community College to meet with our specially trained tax preparers.
To find out more about the walk-in clinic locations, hours, eligibility and what information you need to bring, click on this link: http://www.tricap.org/tax.html. And while you’re at the walk-in clinic, stop by and see one of our Financial Coaches to help you make the most of your refund. Happy Tax Season!

Posted in Updates Tagged , , ,

Weatherization Leads Clean Energy Recovery

Posted on February 3, 2011 by Gene

Weatherization Leads Clean Energy Recovery

12,000 homes weatherized and 578 jobs created in Minnesota under the Recovery Act

Saint Paul (February 2, 2011) – As of December 31, 2010, Minnesota weatherized over 12,000 homes under the Recovery Act.  Having completed about 65 percent of the Recovery Act grant, Minnesota weatherization assistance has spent approximately $85 million. This accomplishment comes as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu celebrated the weatherization of more than 300,000 homes nationally under the Recovery Act.

Along with saving energy, the weatherization program supported 15,427 FTE jobs nationally during the last quarter of 2010.  During this same period, Minnesota’s contribution was 578 FTE jobs created with Recovery Act funds. A recent study of the Minnesota Weatherization program conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension found that for every direct job funded by the program, another ¾ job is created in other industries in the state.  Additionally, every dollar spent on weatherization measures generates an additional $1.09 of economic activity in the state.

According to a January 19th press release from DOE, nationally 300,000 homes have been weatherized as of November 30, 2010.  This marked a milestone for the Department’s efforts to reduce home energy bills for families.  Of the total, more than 100,000 have been completed in just the last four months, showing the dramatically accelerated pace of weatherization under the program. 

The weatherization program is helping families save money on their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency with upgrades like insulation, air-sealing, and more efficient heating and cooling systems. Nationally, weatherization assistance under this program typically reduces energy consumption for low-income families by 35 percent.  In Minnesota, the average savings per household annually is estimated to be $304 on heating and cooling bills. 

Community Action Agencies

Community Action Agencies in Minnesota provide direct services to low-income families through their Energy Conservation, Energy Assistance, Community Engagement (services designed to assist participants and their families with choices that will lead to self-reliance), Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Community Action agencies are governed by a Board of Directors composed of one third low-income residents, one third community members, and one third county board members. For more information, visit www.MinnCAP.org or call 651-645-7425.

Posted in Energy

Reach Out For Warmth

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Rebekah

Tri-CAP’s Reach Out For Warmth (ROFW) program is a community based emergency fuel fund designed to help households that are over income for the Energy Assistance program. This program is funded by donations from local businesses, churches, civic groups, energy vendors, fundraisers and from individuals like you. all of the money raised stays within the community and is matched by the State of Minnesota 2:1. The next fundraiser will be the annual chili feed, organized by our PALS committee. Volunteers make and donate a pot of chili to share and people who wish to attend the luncheon are asked to donate $5.

This is a great opportunity for people to get together and support a fantastic cause. Without your valuable tax-deductible donations, the ROFW program wouldn’t survive and hundreds would be facing an energy hardship. If you are interested in donating to this program, please contact our main office at 320.251.1612 or 1.888.765.5597. Your help is greatly appreciated by Tri-CAP and those within the community who are struggling to keep their houses warm and their lights on.

Posted in Energy

Tri-CAP Weatherization Program completes 700 homes with Stimulus Funds!

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Gene

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Tri-County Action Program, Inc. was allocated $4.7 million dollars to complete weatherization program services on homes located in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties. These funds allow an average cost of $6,500 per home; Tri-CAP’s average cost is now approximately $5,200. We expect to provide Weatherization on approximately 825 homes by June 2011. With these funds we conduct an energy audit to determine what qualified activities are cost effective in saving energy. These activities may include wall insulation, attic insulation, air sealing, heating system replacement or improvements, and refrigerator replacements. Health and Safety items are also completed as part of this program; these items may include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, chimney repairs, exhaust fan repair or replacement, and water heater repairs. During the 2010 calendar year we combined these stimulus funds with funds provided by local utility companies as part of their Conservation Improvement Program. Tri-CAP would like to acknowledge and thank our local utility partners: CenterPoint Energy, Connexus Energy, Melrose Municipal Electric, Stearns Electric Association, Wright-Hennepin Electric Cooperative, and Xcel Energy. Combined these partners provided approximately $335,000.00 in additional funding.

To qualify for the Weatherization Program you must complete an application for energy assistance. Applications are available at www.tricap.org/energy_programs.html or by calling 320-251-1651 or 866-571-5100.

Posted in Energy, Updates

Transportation Resource Center Celebrates 3 years of serving Central Minnesota

Posted on January 18, 2011 by stietz

In 2010, Tri-CAP’s Transportation Resource Center, along with 7 central Minnesota partners, provided over 35,000 rides, drove over 638,000 miles and donated over 28,500 hours of service for seniors and people with disabilities. These rides were to medical appointments, cancer treatments, dialysis, mental health facilities, dental offices, food shelves, grocery stores and senior dining sites. In three years this program has provided nearly 90,000 rides!!

The Transportation Resource Center (TRC) is your local, one call resource for transportation needs in Central Minnesota. Any resident of Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties is eligible to contact the TRC for more information regarding their transportation needs. They can also go online to www.tricap.org/TRC to find detailed information including phone numbers and links to various transportation resources in central Minnesota.

Through the New Freedom grant, funded by the United We Ride legislation, funds are available for groups to hire Mobility Managers and collaborate with other local providers to assist Seniors and People with Disabilities. The TRC and partners chose to concentrate on providing medical transportation and as of July 2010 began providing rides to nutritional based services such as food shelves, senior dining sites, and grocery shopping. Eligible individuals cannot be receiving Medical Assistance or have insurance that would otherwise pay for their medical transportation. These rides are given at no charge, but a donation is requested. If a rider is unable to make a donation, it will not affect their ability to receive further transportation in the future. Along with the 5 county service area, eligible riders are able to go to appointments in the Twin Cities, Rochester, Alexandria, Willmar, Brainerd, New London, Spicer and Princeton.

For more information please contact Shannon at the TRC at 320-257-4456.

Posted in Transportation

Customer Satisfaction Standards

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Patrick Shepard

Recently Tri-CAP adopted Customer Satisfaction Standards for all its employee’s and services.  What does it take for you to be a satisfied customer?  I always thought I was pretty easy to please when it came to this, but taking a closer look, this can be a tricky wicket.  There are so many ways to define good customer service.  Here are some perspectives to consider when looking at customer service.  This is only my definition, maybe you have some of your own.

Can you hear my smile on the phone?  If I am busy, I will let the phone go to voice mail rather than give a half-hearted effort to a conversation.   I check my voicemails often, so you are not waiting too long.

When we are talking face-to-face, I will not pick up a phone call.  If I am expecting an urgent call I will tell you this before we start our conversation.  In-person communication is always my priority. 

Have I sincerely shown you that I care about your situation?  Did I ask how I could help?  Or what I can do for you?  One of my favorite responses to an upset person is something like, “I can tell this is really important to you.  Can you tell me more about how I can help?”

Did I get back to you when I said I would?  When I do not do this, it is a reflection on me – not you.  I have become distracted from keeping my word and need to refocus.  When this happens, I hope you will offer me the opportunity to make it right.

Did I thank you for calling?  Or for your time?  I want to make sure you know I appreciate that you took time from your busy schedule to talk with me.  Even or should I say, ESPECIALLY, if it is a complaint, I am honored that you chose to tell me about it.  How could I ever begin to correct a problem if I don’t know about it. Thank you for telling me!

I hope you will have great customer service experiences in 2011.  Thank you for allowing me to be of service.

Posted in Updates

Thanks to Tri-CAP Partners

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Patrick Shepard

As the new year dawns upon us, it’s the perfect time for Tri-CAP to count its blessings and thank our many wonderful state, federal and community partners. (We won’t name any partners by name because, frankly, there are too many of them, space is limited, and we don’t want to make anyone angry with us if we forget them!)

We serve eligible households through a variety of programs, including Transportation, Energy Assistance, Housing, Self-Sufficiency, and Weatherization. We extend a hand up – not a hand out – to those in need.

During fiscal year 2008-2009, we served 11,089 families and 30,975 individuals. We could not have done this amazing job without the assistance of our partners: County human services, area non-profits, state and federal government agencies, landlords, attorneys, area businesses, financial institutions, educators, and grant funders. Together, we provide services that meet the basic needs of persons experiencing poverty, homelessness, crises or life changes.

Financial institutions help our Financial Fitness team work with customers to repair their credit histories, open savings accounts and become patrons of mainstream banks; they also assist our FAIM (Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota) customers to bank their savings. These institutions also make home repair loans to some of our housing customers.

Our W.I.N.G.S. /Displaced Homemaker program partners with women’s shelters and workforce centers to prepare men and women for employment after they’ve experienced a loss of income due to death, divorce, separation or the disability of a partner. And local business advisors are available to work with customers who want to start a small business.

Energy Assistance Program teams with utility companies to keep customers’ utilities from being shut off, while Weatherization uses local contractors to make homes safer and warmer. And both private and government financial institutions assist our Community Development program in acquiring and rehabilitating houses to sell at no profit and with no interest to eligible households, which otherwise might not be able to afford a home.

While our Renting 101 counselors advise customers about how to clean up their rental histories, local attorneys and landlords give them straightforward advice about the realities of renting – and the things that will keep them out of housing.

Local communities work together with our Transportation Center to provide needed transportation services in underserved areas; we also rely on our many volunteer drivers, who provide their own vehicles, to help customers get to and from medical and other important appointments. And we are fortunate that several local nonprofits help us recruit those dedicated volunteers.

As we said, the above isn’t a comprehensive list – this is only a blog, not a book. Just know there are many other nonprofits and community agencies who refer customers to us or take referrals from us, and together we weave a network of services to help our customers expand their opportunities and become more self sufficient.

Thank you, Tri-CAP partners, and Happy New Year!

Posted in Updates