October 01, 2026
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Weatherization Assistance Program provides an economic boost for low-income individuals through lower energy costs and reduced debts; and,
WHEREAS, weatherization is a cost-effective investment of taxpayer dollars. For every $1 invested in the program, weatherization returns more than $4 in energy, health and safety benefits to the household and community; and,
WHEREAS, the MDHHS Weatherization Assistance Program, using federal, state, local and private dollars, benefits households and communities across the nation by providing cost-effective, energy-efficient retrofits to homes occupied by eligible, low-income Americans; and,
WHEREAS, heating costs are reduced by 30% on average through the program, saving families on average $372 per year. Therefore, household money is made available for other basic necessities such as groceries, medical bills, prescriptions and other needs, thereby making families more self-sufficient; and,
WHEREAS, households that have been weatherized experience health and safety benefits, including improved air quality, and receive smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if they are not already in the home; and,
WHEREAS, weatherization is critical because it makes indoor environments healthier, safer and more comfortable for medically vulnerable individuals; and,
WHEREAS, the MDHHS Weatherization Assistance Program also provides an economic boost for communities through employment opportunities, as well as improving energy efficient housing stock and neighborhood conditions;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as Weatherization Month in Michigan.
