This 63-year-old Merced resident and her 77-year-old husband are one of 981 low-income families in Merced and Madera counties whose homes were winterized over the past three years thanks to a federal grant (Department of Energy, Weatherization Program). The Higgins family live in a mobile home that needed many improvements to make it more energy […]
Mario Herrera, 36, of Atwater said the weatherization program also made a big difference for his family, including his wife and six children. Herrera and his wife work full time, but money is still tight. The weatherization program allowed Herrera to replace his water heater and a back patio door to improve energy efficiency in […]
Kellie Houge, 51 was homeless for 9 years, strung out on meth and had lost all three of her children due to her meth usage. Kellie showed up at the homeless shelter run by the Merced County Community Action Agency. After a comprehensive assessment, Kellie was placed into permanent housing. Kellie was placed in a […]
Ben May who is originally from Stockton came to Merced two years ago to care after his ailing mother leaving behind his home, friends, and job. While caring after his mother, Ben was unable to find employment and sustain the household. Ultimately, the death of his mother and being unemployed led Ben to the Shelter. […]
Bill Lawrence, 61 was living on the streets with his wife when he applied for a construction job with the Merced County Community Action Agency in 2008. Bill said, “most people look at you funny when you apply for a job and tell them you are homeless, but the Community Action Agency didn’t even bat […]
