The Energy Savers Initiative aims to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes so that they are more cost efficient. On February 25, after much planning and organizing, a group of students and advisors visited six homes, ran energy audits, fixed minor damages and efficiency issues, and informed the occupants of energy problems, solutions and behavioral tips. More community days like this are being planned to continue to reach out to the community. However, this group of sustainability leaders have much bigger plans.

Now that stage 1 is becoming a more regular event, we are looking for funding toward improvements to major damages to these low-income houses. Some of these homes have holes in the exterior walls leading straight outside, or ventilation shafts that do not close completely. They pay for these energy deficiencies and raising lot fees. It's just not right. They need help.

But there is more. The ultimate goal is to reshape these communities completely. We are researching different ways to build 'tiny houses' that are completely sustainable both in design and energy efficiency. A lot of the homes that we visited had the most insensible layouts that not only wasted space but energy too. These small homes utilize the space both inside and out for maximum efficiency.

These families need every dollar they have; we want to help ensure their not throwing money out the window.