When temperatures outside plummet and we start reaching for those winter woollies, heating subsidies from the Southland Warm Homes Trust are helping to ensure our communities can keep warm in their homes.
Established in 2008, the Southland Warm Homes Trust (SWHT) provides insulation and heating solutions to households in need across the rohe/region.
Deeply passionate about improving the liveability and wellness of low-income households, SWHT Chair and Invercargill City Councillor Lesley Soper said the Trust was committed to making insulation and heating as accessible and as affordable as possible.
She shared, “Removing the barriers that prevent our communities from insulating and heating their homes means we can tackle energy hardship and encourage more of our community to have warmer, drier, healthier, and more energy efficient homes.”
The benefits of this are extensive, with studies showing that for every $1 spent on home insulation, there is a $4.70 return on investment to the community.
Cr Soper said this return is created through savings in hospital and health costs of treating those with dampness related respiratory health problems.
“While infrastructure based, people and their improved liveability and health is at the heart of the work the SWHT does. This holistic approach has seen over 10,000 households benefit from insulation and heating retrofits, with the support from Community Trust South playing a strong role in the accessibility of this for communities across the region.”
Recognising the pivotal role initiatives like this play in developing strong foundations, Community Trust South Chief Executive Jackie Flutey said the Trust was pleased to be able to support the Southland Warm Homes Trust through a multiyear grant.
“Providing insulation and heating solutions that drive health benefits not only keeps people warm but supports their mana motuhake (self-determination) by giving them the power to create a healthy home for their families.”
Community Trust South’s support, alongside other local funders and EECA’s (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority) Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme, enables the SWHT to offer insulation subsidies of up to 95% and heating unit subsidies ranging from 85% to 95%.
These contributions help low-income households upgrade their homes to meet EECA quality standards, making a real difference in the lives of families across the rohe.
Mrs Flutey shared that this difference was more than just physical.
“The implications of being cold – whether it be physical, mental or social – can be profound. The support that is available through the SWHT is a game-changer, laying strong foundations for the wellbeing for all our communities.”
By focusing on those who most need it - families with children, the elderly, or those living with health conditions – these subsidies are making a lasting difference for the resilience and equity of our communities.
The power of insulation is clear — warmer homes, healthier lives, and thriving communities.
