Housing and Environment Programs

Energy Star® is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products. Helping Texans implement energy saving strategies helps them save money on utility bills.

Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy at Home – A booklet available on-line that shows families how to make a few energy-efficiency improvements to make their home more comfortable and yield long-term financial rewards.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/

In order to make every drop of water count in the home, we must THINK conservation, adjust current equipment for maximum efficiency, repair all leaks, install more efficient equipment, and even think of waterless ways to complete some tasks. Behavior changes do not cost the consumer and can save “water bill” dollars. Several program packets are available for use with audiences.

Healthy Homes – some of the most serious health problems for children may start in the home. Our goal is to educate families about how to reduce housing-based health risks. Parents can examine risks from lead-based paint, indoor air, and drinking water. They can learn about proper pesticide use and safe storage of household products.

Help Yourself to a Healthy Home web tool takes users through a series of questions about their daily living habits. It then gives a personalized “action checklist” of easy, low-cost steps for protecting children from hazards such as lead poisoning and improper pesticide use.

The Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes Program was developed to provide basic but comprehensive information to consumers on how to get a handle on indoor air quality (IAQ) in their homes. The goal of the Program is to educate consumers about sources, health risks, and control measures related to common residential indoor air problems and to help consumers reduce their health risks from these problems.

“Mold, Your Home, and You” is a power point presentation available for agents. It covers causes of mold and discusses risk reducing behaviors that home owners can adopt.

Let’s Breathe Easier: Asthma Management at Home – A power point lesson series on helping parents recognize and reduce asthma triggers in the home environment.

“Realizing the American Dream” – With home ownership counseling, the intimidating and complicated home-buying process becomes less of a maze. Participants in home buyer education programs report that after attending home buyer education classes they feel more comfortable about what they are undertaking simply because they understand the process better.

“You Can Do It” – revised series of 6 flip charts in English and Spanish on basic household repairs. Diskette available.

Accessible Living program address keeping Baby Boomers safe and independent in their homes. It also addresses care giving issues that Baby Boomers may be facing with aging parents.