Monday May, 22 2023 @ 17:14

Nature: Public Meeting – Monday 05/22/2023 -

Location: Indian River Station #1

Address:  32628 Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro, DE 19966

On Monday morning, May 22nd, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was requested to host a Public Meeting to enhance knowledge and awareness regarding Delaware’s HELP Initiative within communities located within the State of Delaware.

The HELP Initiative is designed to help out during these very difficult times, our neighbors are facing regarding daunting obstacles such as: the pandemic, unemployment, income instability, food scarcity, high healthcare and insurance costs, substandard housing and high energy costs. The HELP Initiative’s Lights-ON Delaware Strong program is just one initiative helping to change this.

With the coordination of Delaware State Representative Jeff Hilovsky, District 4, a presentation and discussion will be held regarding HELP Initiative’s Lights-ON Delaware Strong program.  The presentation was presented by Harold Stafford of Delaware Health Initiative.

Residents of Oak Orchard, Riverdale, River Village, Captains Grant, Oak Meadows, River Winds, Driftwood Village, and Orchard Manor were encouraged to attend the public meeting.

The HELP Initiative programs are aimed at unifying and strengthening low-income communities throughout Delaware. Our volunteers and partners give freely of their time and resources to bring hope and helping hands to underserved people—through improved community lighting and safety initiatives; healthier homes; employment opportunities; and residential heating, energy-efficiency and weatherization programs. Learn about them here.

The mission of the HELP Initiative is to improve the quality of life, health, safety and economic prospects of Delaware’s low-income communities and populations through:

• Home energy consumption evaluation, measurement and recommendations at no cost to low-income residents

• Coordination and implementation of higher-efficiency home lighting, heating and weatherization programs

• Population education to better understand the reasons behind high energy usage and how behavioral traits contribute to energy usage and energy bills

• Identification of in-home hazards that may impact the health and safety of residents

• Increased access to youth vocational training programs and job opportunities

• Reduced dependence on social-service-based programs

This initiative strives to keep our community safe, the Delaware HELP initiative - "Lights-On Delaware Strong" program - at no cost to the homeowners.

First - this is not a solicitation - no one is trying to sell you anything. You are not required to participate in this program.

WHAT you get: a free energy efficient bulb for your front porch (with a dusk-dawn sensor) AND a free solar-powered, motion sensor flood light for your backyard!  Oh, and the installation is free as well!

WHY?  Because lighting deters crime!

You can find out more about this program by clicking on this link:  Help Initiative - Lights-On.  Please also check out some of the other programs offered which may help you or someone you know regarding energy support.

PARTICIPATION IS OPTIONAL - again, your participation is NOT mandatory!

Additional information may be obtained about this endeavor via  https://helpinitiativede.org/