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For Your Information
Economic Impact
Economic Impact of Weatherization Programs in Minnesota
Prepared by the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality as an offering of the Economic Impact Analysis Program. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This material is available in alternative formats upon request. Contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at 800-876-8636. The Economic Impact of Minnesota’s Weatherization Programs: An Input-Output Analysis Sustainable Resources Center (Hennepin County) A recent economic impact analysis concludes weatherization work has a meaningfully significant impact on Minnesota communities. The impacts vary by region and by weatherization activity, but on average the programs create one additional dollar of economic output with every dollar of spending. This heightened impact is likely attributable to the availability of manufacturers and suppliers of weatherization products in Minnesota and to the vast network of weatherization agencies throughout the state. Approach In order to quantify the economic impact of Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP), University of Minnesota researchers used an input-output model. The model traces the flow of dollars throughout on economy and quantifies the economic effects (in dollars and employment) of spending for a specific activity. To get a true measure of regional weatherization spending activities, individual weatherization assistance program service providers in Minnesota were surveyed. The input-output model was customized to reflect the individual provider responses. The input-output model was created using IMPLAN software and data. Findings WAP enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The long-lived improvements of weatherization services result in substantial benefits for weatherization clients while improving the health and safety of their homes. In addition, WAP generates economic activity in the local economy. • For every weatherization dollar spent in Hennepin County, an additional $0.62, on average, is generated in economic activity in the region. • For each direct job funded by the program, an additional 0.42 jobs, on average, are created in the region. • Finally, for every dollar earned by weatherization workers, an additional $0.46, on average, is earned by other workers in the region. Weatherization programs reach beyond the region they immediately serve: these impacts can be seen statewide. Research indicates that: • For every dollar spent in Minnesota on weatherization programs, an additional $1.09, on average, of economic activity is created in the state. • For each direct job funded by the program, an additional 0.77 jobs are generated in the state. • For every dollar earned by weatherization workers, an additional $0.86, on average, is earned by other workers in the state. Additional Weatherization Value This analysis focuses only on the economic value generated per $1 of weatherization spending. These results hold true regardless of the funding source (federal, ARRA stimulus, etc). There is also a value to the dollars saved in energy costs and of social, physical and health improvements – which is not included in this study. About this Study The Minnesota Department of Commerce Office of Energy Security (OES) and Minnesota Community Action Partnership recently collaborated to analyze the statewide and regional economic impact of weatherization programs in Minnesota. Research was conducted by University of Minnesota Extension in early 2010. This factsheet is a summary of the results for this region. A full report explaining the statewide study in detail is available upon request.
Job Posting for Green and Healthy Homes Corps
Green and Healthy Homes Corps, AmeriCorps Position Green and Healthy Homes Corps (GHHCorps) is a metro area AmeriCorps program operated by Sustainable Resources Center, Inc.(SRC). The mission of SRC is to create healthy and energy efficient home environments in partnership with families and communities. GHHCorps members work with SRC’s programs promoting green and healthy housing interventions through both physical work in homes and educational work with occupants. Members will receive significant training in green and healthy whole house science to broaden their view of the house as a system. They will acquire fieldwork experience across programs. Members will work in each area of service on special projects, such as: • Energy efficiency, mechanical safety, and indoor air quality • Environmental health exposures, such as lead, radon, carbon monoxide • Educational interventions for families with health, energy, safety and green living concerns SRC GHHCorps members not only gain valuable skills and experience that they will learn to apply in the housing and environmental field, they will also have an opportunity to participate in service programs and give back to communities in Minnesota. SRC has received funding for 15 GHHCorps members to serve 1700 hours from August 1, 2010 to July 31 2011, a 12 month period. Prospective members must be 18 years or older, a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or a lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S., must not have a criminal history the precludes the applicant’s ability to work with vulnerable populations, such a youth, elderly, must be able to make a commitment to complete the term of service. Completion of a post-secondary program related to health, construction or housing, or a two-year Associate of Arts degree or completion of sophomore year in a four-year college program is required. Significant course work related to environmental or housing science, or other relevant aspect of the GHHCorps program is preferred. Work Skills: Effective written and oral communication skills Ability to build and maintain relationships Motivate others Demonstrate flexibility in work assignments Work both independently and with others Work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds Ability to take the initiative in work assignments, organize them, and complete them Ability to research and organize information Functional computer skills: word processing, spreadsheet, database Prospective members must have a demonstrated interest in housing issues both environmental and sustainability and a commitment to their community and GHHCorps service. People with excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm for service and a true desire to help other people, connections to their community, second language skills and interest in a hands-on volunteer opportunity will be considered. Diversity is a key to all aspects of our program, as we take full advantage of corps members' community connections, group affiliations, and non-English language abilities to reach our clients Along with a living allowance of $15,000 (paid out semi-monthly over 12 months), members are provided health and dental insurance and may ask for student loan forbearance. Upon completion, GHHCorps members receive a $5,350 education award that can be used for further education or to pay off qualified student loans. Interested individuals are invited to send a Green and Healthy Homes Corps member application, along with your resume, to j.nott@src-mn.org by 5 p.m. on July 31, 2010. Qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews in July and August 2010. Service will begin August 9, 2010. The application is available at our web site: www.src-mn.org, then click the Newsletter link, then the application link. Or follow this link: http://www.src-mn.org/SRC_newsletter.htm You may also pick up an application at our offices Monday thru Friday, 9:30a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Recursos Para Eliminar Los Riesgos de Plomo
¿Vive usted en una casa o apartamento construido antes 1978? ¿Tiene usted niños menos que 6 años? ¿Vive usted en el Condado de Hennepin? ¡Entonces usted quizás sea elegible para servicios para controlar el peligro de plomo! La solución para prevenir el envenemiento de plomo es eliminar la fuente. Eso puede ser muy costoso y peligroso sin la instrucción apropiada. Afortunadamente en este momento en el Condado de Hennepin hay los recursos de ayudar las familias identificar y arreglar los peligros del plomo en su casa. ¡Llame al 612-872-3282 para averiguar más! ¡Hablamos Español!
Resources to Remove Lead from Your Home
Do you live in a home or apartment built before 1978? Do you have children under the age of 6? Do you live in Hennepin County? Then you might be elegible for FREE lead hazard control services! The number one way to prevent lead exposure is to remove the source. That can be a costly and dangerous endeavor without the proper training. Luckily right now in Hennepin County there are resources to help families identify and remediate dangerous lead hazards in their homes. Call 612-872-3282 to find out more!! Hablamos Español!
The Silent Poison: Childhood Lead Poisoning
By Karla J. Walker, Pharm.D., DABCC, FACB Nearly half a million children under the age of 5 in the United States currently have blood lead levels high enough to cause irreversible damage to their health. Adults and children are both at risk for lead poisoning, but children are more vulnerable because their growing bodies absorb lead more readily. While many parents remain unaware, this silent poison may be damaging their child's life and future. Lead can affect almost every organ in the human body and is particularly harmful to the developing brain and central nervous system of a fetus and young child. The most important step in treating a poisoned child is to end the exposure by removing the lead source from the child's environment. The most common source of lead exposure is dust found in older homes containing lead-based paint. This dust may be easily ingested through hand-to-mouth activity typical of young children. Paint chips, lead lead-contaminated soil, drinking water, food, ceramics, herbal home remedies, toy jewelry, hair dyes, and other cosmetics are also potential sources of lead exposure found in the home. The term silent poison refers to the fact that lead-poisoned children may exhibit no outward symptoms. While he or she may seem perfectly healthy, irreversible damage may be occurring. A blood lead test is the only way to find out if your child has been exposed. To encourage more parents and guardians to take this preventive step, a less-invasive blood lead screening technique geared for the pediatric population was developed and is available at numerous doctors' offices and clinics. The filter paper lead screen, such as the one offered by MEDTOX Laboratories in St. Paul, Minnesota provides an accurate result with only two drops of blood. This test can replace more traumatic venous and capillary tube collections as an accurate screening tool. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children be screened at both 12 and 24 months of age, or at least once by age 6 if they have not yet been tested. Screening should start as young as 6 months if the child is at an elevated risk for lead exposure. One group of children at higher risk is those who live in or regularly visit a home built before 1978. In addition to a blood test, there are some simple steps parents can take to prevent or lessen the threat of lead exposure (see sidebar). Even if precautions are taken, children should still be screened at the recommended intervals. Severe poisoning may result in anemia, severe stomachache, muscle weakness, and brain damage. Less-severe and less less-apparent cases of exposure can still affect a child's mental and physical growth, as well as affect cognitive and behavioral development. Unborn children are also at risk, as they can be exposed to lead through their mothers. Harmful effects may include premature birth, low birth weight, decreased mental growth, and stunted physical growth after birth. Great effort has been exerted over the past 25 years to remove lead from gasoline, paints, and additional products in the United States. The overall decline in average blood lead levels over that time frame reflects the success of these efforts, but because lead does not break down or decompose from past use, childhood lead poisoning remains a major, preventable health problem today. For more information on lead poisoning or to find out whether you qualify for free lead-abatement services, contact the Minnesota Department of Health Lead Program (651-215-0890) or Sustainable Resource Center (612-870-4937). For more information on filter paper lead screening, call 1-800-FOR-LEAD. H Dr. Karla J. Walker, is the director of clinical toxicology at Medtox Laboratories, located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Preventing lead poisoning: Five simple precautions 1. Keep your home clean. At least once a week, wash areas such as hard surface floors and window sills. Use a solution of water and an all-purpose cleaner. 2. Stay away from peeling paint. Make sure your child does not have access to peeling paint and does not chew on painted surfaces such as cribs or window ledges. 3. Leave your shoes at the door. Don't bring dust into your home. 4. Wash regularly. Wash your child's hands often with soap and water, especially before meals, snacks, naps, and bedtime. Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles often with soap and water. Stuffed toys, in particular, accumulate dust and should be washed often. 5. Eat healthy foods. Have your child eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Less lead is absorbed when children have food in their systems. Feed your child food that is high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, such as milk, cheese, fish, peanut butter, and raisins. Don't eat serve them too many fried or fatty foods. These foods allow the body to absorb lead faster. |
