Dubuque’s annual “Weatherization Challenge” does much more than lower heating bills for our citizens needing assistance…it creates relationships that warm hearts!  

Setting the stage for this at the October 20th City Council meeting, was the following Proclamation presented to Ms. Laura Roussell, External Affairs Manager for Black Hills Energy (formerly Aquila); Ms. Carrie Tedore, Public Relations Director for the Diamond Jo Casino, and Mr. Tom Stovall, Executive Director of Operation: New View Community Action Agency:

“WHEREAS, the Dubuque Weatherization Challenge 2008 is a community partnership sponsored by Black Hills Energy, Alliant Energy, Operation: New View Community Action Agency, Rentec Energy Midwest, the Diamond Jo Casino, Theisens, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque365.com, Dubuque Are Congregations United, Dubuque Bank & Trust, and the Iowa Utilities Board; and

WHEREAS, over 300 volunteers divided into 50 teams will be assigned to “keep the weather outside” by weatherizing 2 homes per team selected from a list of elderly, disabled, and disadvantaged homeowners in need of assistance; and

WHEREAS, 100 targeted homes will be provided with weather stripping, caulking, window plastic, door sweeps, and other insulating techniques.

Now therefore, I, Roy D. Buol, Mayor of the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and on behalf of the City Council, Staff and citizens of Dubuque, do hereby proclaim the 25th day of October as:

“DUBUQUE WEATHERIZATION
CHALLENGE DAY”

In the City of Dubuque, Iowa, and encourage all citizens to participate in the largest community weatherization project ever undertaken in the State of Iowa!”

Prior to “weatherization” day, organizers were involved in numerous planning meetings coordinated by Laura Roussell, followed by more meetings to assemble weatherization materials and stuff the supply bags for the teams.

On behalf of the organizers, I am very pleased to report that this year’s effort exceeded expectations with over 360 volunteers from local businesses, schools, churches and city government comprising 55 teams that worked on 106 homes throughout our community!

Here are some of the comments received from our volunteer participants:

Homeowners were fabulous and so happy to see us!

It was beneficial to the family that the team spoke Spanish!

One woman wanted us to help find her a date for Saturday dancing…a guy 55-70 who can dance for three hours!

They loved us being there; we raked leaves and cleaned gutters; can we go back and get this lady a storm door?

Went well; great nice people; very cool!

A rewarding experience helping people in need.  What a worthwhile project!

I will volunteer to do inspections for you next year!

As we made our way to the various sites, it was remarkably clear that this is one of the most meaningful projects in our community.  We are immensely grateful to the project’s sponsors for their critical support and to the project’s organizers for creating another successful partnership.  And, as I told the volunteers before they set out to make a difference in the lives of others last Saturday, “YOU are the reason Dubuque was selected an ‘All America City!’  Thanks to all involved for helping to warm the homes, and hearts, of so many!