January 4

Fauquier Habitat for Humanity and Oak View National Bank have joined forces to help three local families make critical home repairs as part of a Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Grant.

The grant, offered by Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, provided funds to assist qualified homeowners with energy efficient upgrades, weatherization, and safety and accessibility improvements. Grants were provided in the amount of up to $15,000 each to eligible owner-occupied homes. As long as the owners stay in their home for the next five years, the grant will be forgiven. This means the homeowner will only have to repay the grant if they sell their home within the five years.

“The grant program became available during the fall as long as the funds last. We are excited that we were able to help three local families this year,” said Fauquier Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Brenda Drerenberger.

The grant required Fauquier Habitat for Humanity to work with a local bank to assist homeowners with the application process.  Oak View National Bank stepped forward, offering its expertise and guidance at no cost.

“We are extremely grateful to Oak View National Bank for supporting this grant initiative,” said Drerenberger.  “Caren Eastham, Executive Vice President of Oak View National Bank, spent many hours navigating the required paperwork of this grant.  Helping local families improve their living conditions by providing a hand-up is a core part of our mission, one that Oak View National Bank believes in also. One of the families we helped is a single grandmother raising her grandchildren. The repairs will help cut her electric bills in half, leaving her with a few more dollars each month to feed and clothe her family.”

Critical repairs funded by the grant included roof replacement in all three homes, HVAC replacement in two of the homes and five new windows in one of the homes. Gracious contractors throughout the region supported the repair initiative by providing at-cost or close-to-cost services.