The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety.  Pierce County Human Services provided weatherization services to qualifying low-income residents outside the city limits of Tacoma.

WAP not only helps households, it also helps revitalize communities by spurring economic growth and reducing environmental impact.

The Washington State legislature expanded its investment in healthy, safe and energy efficient weatherization to include improvements that help children and adults combat asthma and other respiratory issues. This program initiative is called Weatherization Plus Health and combines weatherization improvements in low-income homes with measures that reduce health risks and health costs for impacted families.

In 2017, the Pierce County Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was selected as one of five agencies in the state of Washington to implement the Weatherization Plus Health Program pilot program.  They completed the pilot with the focus on single family homes with excellent results and became a model for our state. In 2018, the WAP team selected Marymount Manor as their first Weatherization Plus Health multi-family unit and it was a huge success!

Marymount Manor is an affordable, older adult (62+) community with several apartments equipped to accommodate those who are mobility impaired (also available to those over the age of 18).  Residency is usually restricted to households earning 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or less with at least one-member age 62 years or older.

The project was an enormous success and the residents were thrilled with all the improvements. 

“I noticed a difference in how I felt within two days. After just a few minutes after cooking my apartment smells great because the ventilation is so good.” – Donna

“Everyone treated us so kindly. They’re so sweet.” – Lou Ann