VIDALIA — Drafty houses don’t have to be a reality for Vidalia residents.

The City of Vidalia is accepting applications for a home weatherization program that will include energy audits, insulation installation, duct sealing and repair, heating and cooling unit repair and pressure balancing to the homes of those whose applications are approved, City Manager Ken Walker said.

The program is funded from the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency and is directed by the LaSalle Community Action Association.

“The program is something that is available for anyone who lives in the LaSalle Community Action Association area, of which all of Concordia Parish is included, but we decided as a city to promote the program because most people are not aware of it and are not aware of how to fill out the applications because it is a lengthy application process,” Walker said.

“We are collecting the applications here, and as we go through the applications and verify that everything is correct, we will forward them to LaSalle Community Action Association.”

The ultimate purpose of the grant, which has its genesis in the U.S. Department of Energy, is to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, Walker said.

“Most energy is generated by burning fossil fuels, so if the houses can be made more efficient, that would reduce energy costs and consumption,” he said.

All housing types qualify for the program, including apartments, rental units and mobile homes.

Preference will be given to the elderly, people with disabilities and families with children, Walker said.

Income guidelines for those who qualify are:

4Single-person households with an annual income of $21,660 or less.

4Two-person households with an annual income of $29,140 or less.

4Three-person households with an annual income of $36,660 or less.

4Four-person households with an annual income of $44,100 or less.

4Five-person households with an annual income of $51,580 or less.

4Six-person households with an annual income of $59,060 or less.

4Seven-person households with an annual income of $66,540 or less.

4Eight-person households with an annual income of $74,020 or less.