Staying warm this winter is going to cost homeowners and renters more. According to the U.S. Energy Department, the cost for all four main heating fuels—natural gas, electricity, heating oil, and propane—will increase. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts this winter will be much frostier than last season with the biggest cold blasts occurring in southern states. In this issue we take a look at how some members of the NeighborWorks network are helping residents protect their homes from Mother Nature’s bite no matter where they live.

NeighborWorks of Western Vermont recognized a problem in older homes that resulted in high utility bills and set an ambitious goal to retrofit 1,000 homes within three years. One homeowner says she’s no longer freezing during the winter and she’s saving money.

In some parts of the country, rain can be a home’s worst enemy. It can lead to serious moisture problems from the foundation to the roof. Our network member, NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, has helped hundreds of Washington homeowners learn how to fight moisture issues and costly repairs.