The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) has been awarded a $45,500 grant to provide energy-efficient upgrades to homes.The grant comes from the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation through NeighborWorks America, a congressionally chartered national organization that supports community development through grants and technical assistance.“NECAC appreciates the chance through this NeighborWorks grant to continue our commitment to quality, affordable housing in our region,” said NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick. “NECAC will use the funding to bring substandard rural homes up to state and federal housing codes through rehabilitation. Grant funds will be used to increase energy efficiency and stabilize affordable homeownership for economically challenged people while increasing their opportunities to grow assets.”The work will be done by NECAC’s Weatherization Department, and the agency will leverage additional dollars through the Home Depot Foundation and the Missouri Housing Development Commission.The grant is part of the Safe and Sound Program, which was made possible with a $600,000 national donation by the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.“We’re delighted to welcome NECAC as a 2018 Safe and Sound grantee, and we’re confident that these resources will both improve the lives of local residents and strengthen their communities,” said David Dangler, director of the NeighborWorks Rural Initiative.The goal of the program is to complete at least 40 rural housing rehabilitation or replacement projects in four regions of the nation by Sept. 30.NECAC, a 12-county area social service, community health and public housing agency, has been a charter member of NeighborWorks since 2004, and is one of 166 NeighborWorks organizations serving rural America.A recent NeighborWorks consumer finance survey found that 46 percent of American adults living in rural areas are “not too confident” or “not confident at all” of their ability to withstand a sudden financial emergency. The grant will allow NECAC to boost its efforts to change the numbers.“NECAC, along with the entire NeighborWorks network, is having a strong economic impact in rural communities across the country,” Patrick said. “We will continue to address the housing needs and challenges facing our 12 counties.”More information about NECAC housing development and rehabilitation programs is available by calling 573-324-6622.NECAC