After years of gathering in a near windowless building, local seniors now enjoy natural light and energy-efficient comfort at the brand-new South Central Council of Governments Elder Center, coincidentally located at 211 Elder Street in Walsenburg.
The new center provides congregate meals, home-delivered meals, public transportation, and in-home care services for seniors in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties. Information on legal assistance, workshops, and other resources are also available.
The contrast between the new and old facilities is dramatic. The Huerfano County Community Center hosted these services in the past. The community center was built when windows were seen as a hindrance to efficiency, and a security liability. The new senior space is airy and bathed in natural light, with plentiful windows and ceiling fans for ventilation.
Each window is either covered with energy-efficient cellular shades or roller shades. The shades and fans were funded by a $7,500 donation from San Isabel Electric Association’s Board of Directors and an equal matching donation by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. The cooperative’s donation also covered a 105-gallon commercial water heater and back-up generator for the new center. The bulk of the funding for the building was provided by grants from the State of Colorado.
The cellular shades, which were purchased from High Plains Flooring and Blinds, are made of pleated fabric folded to form a honeycomb structure. Air is trapped in the cell as well as between the shade and window, helping keep heat in during winter and out during summer, lowering energy costs.
The center’s six ceiling fans will also help reduce energy costs by allowing thermostat settings to be raised 4-7°F without sacrificing comfort.
“With these upgrades in place, the new senior center will spend less on utilities and more on programs that matter, ensuring the facility remains a lasting asset to the community,” SIEA Board President Jacque Sikes said.
SIEA provides donations for community projects such as the senior center from unclaimed capital credits, money the co-op cannot use for operating the co-op and must return to the community. In addition to donating to projects like the senior center, the co-op also sells, installs, and offers low-interest on-bill financing for energy efficiency upgrades of all sizes. More information about available projects and financing is available at siea.com/empower.
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