Latino leadership delivering energy savings to manufactured home parks: Meet Growing Up Healthy

Jennyffer: Yes, these homes have specific needs. We often see mobile homes in need of windows, furnaces, water heaters, and roof repairs/replacements. Oftentimes, we find that the foundation of the windows is deteriorating, which causes families to crank up the heat, resulting in high energy bills. This winter we have encountered a high volume of furnace replacement/repairs needed. 

We have been able to work with partner organizations (City of Northfield, City of Faribault, Three Rivers, Xcel, Slipstream, etc.) to use all available resources to help families out. 

Jennyffer: There are needs for more electricians and roofers who are willing to work on mobile homes. Especially older models. Unfortunately, we have found that many roofers don’t feel that doing roof work on a mobile home is a productive use of time.

Jennyffer: We will continue our heat tape outreach efforts. Making sure that families living in mobile home parks are aware of how to check their heat tape and how to install it when needed. That would include using the correct materials (insulation, extension cord, etc.). 
We have a work list that we review often. Our plan is to get as much of the insulating, roof and window work done in the warm months as we possibly can.

Learn more about Jennyffer’s work

Q&A with Jansen Gonzalez

Jansen: Hi, my name is Jansen Gonzalez, and I am the manufactured homes coordinator for Growing Up Healthy in Rice county. In my role, I coordinate manufactured home repairs between residents and contractors. I help fill out applications for assistance, and help residents find other solutions for repairs/funding. I also set up events for heat tape and look for volunteers to join.