A new grant program aims to fund solutions to help lower and moderate income residents prepare their homes for the effects climate change.
The Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program will award a total of $1.5 million to projects by nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits can receive between $300,000 and $1.5 million for their project.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is looking for proposals with innovative solutions to help vulnerable residents adapt to climate change. These proposals can include removing fossil fuel systems from homes and replacing them with electric systems, creating healthy indoor environments and ensuring homes are resilient to climate disasters.
Proposals should focus on diversity and equity. Proposals for HEECAP should be culturally proficient and inclusive. The DEP is looking to empower communities. While at the same time trying to find creative solutions which could be scaled to the county level.
In a press release, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said, “This grant helps enhance the resilience of our community while working to preserve and protect housing for vulnerable residents in the face of environmental challenges.”
Applications are open until April 8. There will be a virtual information session at 1 p.m. on March 4.
