Last week 15 student volunteers from New Jersey PIRG’s Energy Service Corps traveled to Asheville, North Carolina to promote energy efficiency and weatherize homes. North Carolina, like many areas of the country, has been hit hard by the recession.

Students from Rutgers University, Monmouth University, and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey drove 11 hours to work with the local Community Action Opportunities Weatherization Services for three days. During our stay we weatherized 12 units, all homes of low-income people who have previously been homeless. During the week, we helped by installing weather stripping on doors, sealing cracks with caulk and spray foam, prepping attics for insulation, and other projects.

Our work in Asheville was highlighted on the Channel 13 news and the Asheville Citizen-Times.  Check out the article at http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20100524/NEWS/305240037/College-students-help-weatherize-homes.

Benjy and Jeff repair a door frame

The group celebrates a successful trip!

Leticia seals up a vent

Sandra puts weatherstripping on a window

The supply truck, courtesy of Community Action Opportunities