Success Stories

Community Action of Northeast Indiana

Gerri Mann is just grateful for whatever help people in her situation can get. Leaves are just beginning to fall around the retiree’s mobile home on Fort Wayne’s south side, littering the grass around her carefully tended flower beds.

She and her late husband had caulked around windows and put foam around electrical plates. She set her thermostat to 67 degrees at night and 64 degrees during the day.

But after three decades, her home’s original furnace and poor insulation have combined to cause her gas bills to creep up to $200 monthly.

Finally, her youngest daughter called Community Action of Northeast Indiana about its energy-assistance program. CANI referred Mann to the weatherization program, and in August, workers spent two days insulating, repairing ductwork and installing a new furnace and thermostat.

Mann is just eager to see the effects of the weatherization done on her mobile home. Mann said she was surprised how extensive the work was for the amount of money spent.

“I never expected it all,” she said.