Fay Crain just celebrated her 90^th birthday. But if she wants to live as long as her parents did, she’s got a ways to go.

“My dad was 103 and a half, and my mother was 99 when she died,” said Crain, who lives alone in the town of Warrior in Blount County.

“The only thing I know, I trust in God. I pray to him every day. And he has been mighty good to me.”

Crain is also thankful for the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund (ABC Trust) and the Home Forward grant that helped her make energy efficiency improvements in her home.

Home Forward grant helps Alabama woman with energy efficiency from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Established by Alabama Power to help meet the energy needs of low-income Alabamians, for more than 25 years the Trust has worked with community action agencies and other organizations, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to help pay energy bills, conduct weatherization projects and support basic human needs. The ABC Trust is not funded with ratepayer dollars.

Under the Home Forward program, a homeowner whose income is 200% of the federal poverty line or less can receive a grant of up to $5,000 for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements. Crain’s application was reviewed by the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama and approved by a selection committee.

The grant paid for new insulation in Crain’s attic and basement, which was installed last fall. The community action agency also arranged for Crain’s central heating and cooling system to receive a thorough inspection and cleaning. Additionally, her home ventilation system was checked for leaks and sealed where needed, and she received energy efficient lightbulbs.

“The Home Forward grant provided by the ABC Trust helps our agency ensure that we can provide all of the necessary weatherization measures to homes like Ms. Crain’s,” said Luke Laney, Housing Services director with the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama in Rainsville. “We are very appreciative of the partnership that the ABC Trust has with our weatherization program.”

Crain said the recent improvements made a big difference in her heating bill this past winter. And the energy efficiency upgrades should help her with cooling costs as spring turns toward another notoriously long and hot Alabama summer.

Homeowners who meet the criteria can apply for a Home Forward grant through the community action agency that serves their community. A list of agencies around the state that administer ABC Trust funds, and which communities they serve, can be found here.

“I thank the ABC Trust for what they did for me,” Crain said. “It’s been a blessing.”

To learn more about the ABC Trust and its programs that support people and nonprofits, visit www.powerofgood.com and click on “ABC Trust.”