Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg and the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania worked this week to help improve a local homeowner's quality of life, as well as reduce her energy use and save money as part of an energy-efficient rebuild of her home.

The rebuild is part of the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative, a national partnership between Rebuilding Together and America's oil and natural gas industry, which incorporates energy efficiency into home renovations for low-income homeowners nationwide, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children.

The energy-efficient modifications, which include new windows, a storm door and an Energy Star refrigerator, along with exterior and interior renovations will help reduce the homeowner's heating and cooling bills, and ultimately help preserve her homeownership.

"Our combined efforts have an ongoing, positive impact on homeowners in our neighborhood and across the country," said Sue Gebhart, executive director of Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg. "The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania's support enables us to help improve the quality of life for many deserving homeowners who can now live more comfortably, safely and use less energy."

"America's oil and natural gas industry practices energy efficiency every day within its operations, so we know the significant value of such a commitment," said Rolf Hanson, executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania. "We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg in this outstanding initiative. Our efforts will help provide the homeowner with the dual benefit of saving energy and money."

Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg is renovating numerous homes on National Rebuild Day, with 88-year-old Rosella France's home being the first to receive energy-saving renovations. Ms. France, whose 49-year-old son lives with her, was in desperate need of repairs on her home.

"There are no words," said France. "We've really been blessed. These improvements will allow us to live more comfortably in our home, while saving money.”

Since 2005, the Initiative has expanded its reach, doubling the number of rebuilds conducted nationwide and affording homeowners the ability to save as much as 30 percent on monthly energy bills, thanks to a variety of energy-efficient techniques incorporated into their homes.

The Initiative is an additional component of Rebuilding Together, which is celebrating 20 years having revitalized more than 100,000 homes and nonprofit facilities with the help of millions of volunteers in communities across America.

In addition to making homes more energy efficient, the Initiative also provides homeowners, volunteers and others with materials and information with recommendations on how to preserve energy now and in the future.

Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repair and modification services to those in need.

5/2/2008