THELMA GAVIN BOWMAN lives in Watts in a home her mother and father purchased about 60 years ago. She is committed to maintaining it in good condition. When the TCC-funded Habitat for Humanity energy efficiency program offered free energy upgrades (as well as other upgrades beneficial to health and well-being), Bowman took the chance to save money and invest in the home that had been in her family for decades.
Bowman received several free home energy improvements: new light fixtures, a water heater, two new shower heads, new faucets for the kitchen and bathrooms, and a carbon monoxide detector. The Habitat for Humanity team also fixed several electrical sockets. “The wires were just hanging out … I don’t have to worry about it catching on fire now,” Bowman said. Bowman also participated in the TCC-funded GRID Alternatives solar program. Her home benefited from free roof repairs and the installation of solar panels. Not only is her home now more energy efficient, but uses renewable energy.
Between the avoided cost of the appliances and labor, Bowman estimates that she saved between $15,000 and $20,000 with these improvements. She also commented on the speed and convenience of the process, saying that the installations and repairs only took about two days to complete. “They came back and got in and they were gone … [it] was like I got a brand new house.” Bowman has since maintained a good relationship with the organization and the individuals who worked on her home.
Bowman’s savings continue to add up over time. She estimates that she saves at least $100 each month on her utility bills, allowing her to further provide for her grandchildren.
Bowman recommends the program to her neighbors. She has already passed out flyers up and down her street and invited neighbors into her home to demonstrate the upgrades. “I have them come into my house so I can show them what they did … that’s when they sign up.”
My grandkids are always needing something, and I am also playing catch-up. One hundred dollars a month is about $1,200 a year; I can definitely find something to do with that.
Bowman noted that for some people, these programs are more accessible than others due to the eligibility requirements and verification process. The maximum income levels for participation are higher than many energy programs, she said, and the programs allow applicants to count others living with them when measuring household size, expanding eligibility. “The Habitat for Humanity program is much easier — I wouldn’t have been able to qualify [for other programs]. But the way that they do it, it’s very easy.”
MARCIALA JIMENEZ has lived in Watts since 1986. After renting in other neighborhoods, Jimenez and her husband bought their house. The new home gave them more space to raise their four children, who are now adults.
Jimenez learned from a neighbor about two TCC-funded programs that reduce household energy costs — Habitat for Humanity’s energy efficiency program and GRID Alternatives’ no-cost solar panel program. She was interested because her neighbor had already benefited from the programs, so she reached out to learn more.
Jimenez has also taken advantage of other TCC-funded Watts Rising programs. GRID Alternatives installed rooftop solar panels and repaired the roof so the panels could be installed. She is currently waiting for the LA Department of Water and Power to approve the final panel set-up. Once the solar panels are providing her home with free, renewable energy, her bills and carbon footprint will decrease.
As elderly folks, we have been saving every penny. During the summer months, we turned on the air conditioner, and my electricity [bill] was not too high. And we have definitely been saving from a water perspective … I’ve seen a 10 to 15 percent reduction in our water bills.
Jimenez and her husband received several upgrades in January 2024: Habitat for Humanity provided and installed two new ceiling fans, kitchen and bathroom faucets, air conditioning wall units, carbon monoxide detectors, shower heads, smoke detectors, and efficient light bulbs throughout the house. The newer appliances use less energy, and the resulting lower utility bills have led to savings that benefit Jimenez and her husband, who are retired and have a limited income.
Top page photo:
Habitat for Humanity employees discuss home energy upgrades with Watts homeowner Thelma Gavin Bowman.
Photo credit: HACLA