MFCS Rescued Us
“I would like to thank Mid Florida Community Services for all their help restoring our home. My coughing has stopped … health is better now. I can’t say enough about Mid Florida Community Services, they rescued us.”- Lowell & Vonda
Making a difference
By Bob Reichman , Sumter County Times
Christina Richardson likes her new front door. She’s pretty pleased with the new windows and the new water heater too. At 97, Richardson had some problems at her Wildwood home that needed to be solved.
The life-long Wildwood resident had drafts through her old windows and her front door had seen better days. The door had been damaged and wasn’t efficient for dealing with weather conditions.
On a limited income, making repairs like replacing doors, a water heater and windows was cost prohibitive, she said. “I never could have afforded it without help,” Richardson said.
Help came by way of the Mid-Florida Community Services Weatherization Department. The department offers a federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program to help eligible low-income families improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Richardson’s family members helped her fill out an application requesting assistance and she met the guidelines to have the improvements made without cost. Brenda Mobley, Program Director, said a number of improvements were made to Richardson’s home to help reduce her energy bill. Besides those mentioned, the agency also recharged her air conditioning system, insulated her hot water heater, replaced eight windows, installed energy-saving light bulbs – to name a few. While Mid-Florida Community Services is based in Brooksville, the agency provides service to five counties, including Sumter, Mobley said. She encourages low-income residents to contact the agency if they have need of the agency’s services. In 2009, the agency provided assistance to 1,136 homes in the five-county area and additional stimulus funding from the federal government means more homeowners can take advantage of the program, Mobley said. “It’s a very worthwhile service and we’re looking for more Sumter residents to join it,” she said. For more information about Mid- Florida Community Services’ weatherization program call 352-796-1427.
Grateful Clients...
“I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful service! The house is free of all drafts. Even the dust is less! The repair men were wonderful. They were polite and never wasted a minute while they were here! I am so anxious to get my next electric bill. Thank you so very much! “ - Barbara, Sumter County
“The men did a great job. They were very nice. The refrigerator is so nice. My electric bills are smaller now. Thank you so much.” - Wayne, Pasco County
“The service provided to us was such a blessing and I could never express how truly grateful we are. As we are aging, the digital read out thermostat made it easier for us to see how to set it. Although I was skeptical of a vent fan for the kitchen, it has been a great asset in eliminating excess moisture while cooking. It is programs and people like you that make a difference in this world, by touching other’s lives. Thank you from my heart, and may God bless you all to continue being ‘Our Angels’.”- Patricia, Citrus County
First and foremost I want to thank you all for your time and help in making my home much more weatherized. My little house isn't much, it's not big or fancy, but it's mine and I'm proud to have it and very, very grateful for your service. -Paula, Citrus
just wanted to thank everyone at Mid Florida for helping us get our weatherization completed. I know you all do a lot of good and you don't get told thank you enough. So thank you all, it was much appreciated. Keep up the good work. God Bless. -Diana, Pasco
thanks to all who helped update my home. Installing new windows has lowered my electric bill. My thanks to you all. - Henry, Volusia
Thank you so much. My light bill used to run $400, now it's down to $150. I can see a major difference. - Mary Volusia
To the State of Florida, the Weatherization Department, the contractor and crew; I would like to thank you for the help that everyone has given me to weatherize my home and to make it more energy efficient to lower my electric bill. I can't thank you enough. I really appreciate it. -Beverly, Hernando
God bless you being so kind and thoughtful. I appreciate all you have done! -Shirley, Hernando
I am pleased to write you today with a grateful heart. I would like to inform you of the difference this program has made in my life. I believe the new air unit has helped with my breathing and for that, I cannot thank all of you enough. Again I want you to know that everyone I have met with has been kind and professional. - Alice, Volusia
