INSIDE THE BELT
FALL 2016  |  Quarterly e-Newsletter
 

Thank you for your interest in the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA). Please enjoy our quarterly e-newsletter!
Not a Chicago Bungalow?  Not a problem! Eligibility is now open to all vintage homes 50 years and older.
Winter is Coming, Bundle Your Abode

Bad news: According to the weather prediction in the 2017 Farmers' Almanac, the forecast for Chicago's upcoming winter season is "numbing cold and snowy".

Here's a bit of good news (and please share this with your neighbors and friends): You still have time to bundle up your vintage abode in time for the frigid season - the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA) is offering it's FREE Energy Savers Grant to income-eligible Chicago bungalow and vintage homeowners. Weatherization services offered by the grant include insulation and air sealing, valued at nearly $4,000.

Benefits:
  • Energy Efficiency: Insulating and air sealing your home allows you to use less heating and cooling energy to achieve and maintain a comfortable temperature.
  • Affordability: Having a well insulated and air sealed home means your home will be an average of 10 degrees warmer in the winter (or cooler in the summer). Meaning, you can adjust your thermostat accordingly and save money on your utility costs!
  • Comfort: Proper insulation and air sealing of your home results in reduced air infiltration rates. The average reduction achieved through our Energy Savers Grant is 45%. That's 45% less drafts and a significant increase in the comfort of your home.
More information on benefits and eligibility here.
Would you like HCBA to speak at your next Block Club or Community Meeting?
Email gwiescher@chicagobungalow.org.
Purchase for $15.00
It's Here!  Your 2017 Bungalow Calendar!

The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association has created their 2017 calendar for you to enjoy all year round. The 8.5x11 wall calendar showcases 12 vibrant and high resolution photos of our beloved Chicago bungalows. This calendar makes for a great holiday gift for your friends and family...View calendar.
Giving Thanks on #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday is the global day of giving, and this year, the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association is focusing on strengthening our #StopThePop Campaign in an effort to promote sensible attic additions and help stop the destruction of our historic homes. We're nearly at 1,000 supporters but need your help to grow our reach and accomplish our campaign goals.

This Fall, HCBA used the momentum of our campaign to partner with a group of talented AIA Architects with an authentic understanding of how to adapt and expand these homes practically and sensibly for today's modern family. After several meetings, we defined our first campaign project: to provide homeowners with 5 "model" solutions for bungalow expansions through architectural designs and digital renderings. These will be free and available on our new website, along with detailed descriptions and price range estimates. We hope to launch these model solutions by Spring 2017.

Your membership which includes seminars and other resources is free so please consider sharing our Fundraiser Page with everyone you know and ask them to donate to our exciting and resourceful cause...Give on Tuesday, November 29th or today!
Take Action to Keep Stormwater out of the Sewer System

Did you know it takes less than one inch of rain to trigger a sewer overflow, which causes basements to flood and pushes sewage and other pollution into the Chicago River? This happens due to the city's combined sewer pipes, which carry domestic, commercial, and industrial wastewater and frequently get overwhelmed by surges of heavy stormwater.
Photo credit: CNT/RainReady

The good news is you can stop this from happening! Join the citywide effort to conserve water and take #overflowaction. By reducing your water usage during heavy rains, you can prevent combined sewer overflows. All it takes is a simple pledge. Sign up  here  and say yes to a dry basement and clean river!  

Simple Actions:
  1. Take a shorter shower: If you take a 10 minute shower and shave off three minutes, you could save up to 12 gallons.
  2. Use a fully loaded dishwasher. Instead of washing your dishes by hand, run a full load of dishes in a dishwasher and save up to 20 gallons of water.
  3. Wear it again. Before washing your clothes ask yourself, can I wear this again? Jeans and other clothing can easily be worn multiple times before washing.   
  4. Flush your toilet less. You read it. We said it.
  5. Replace old faucets and shower heads with more efficient ones.  A family could save up to 700 gallons a year.
  6. Turn off your faucet when you are not using it, i.e. brushing your teeth, washing your face, washing dishes.
Provided by our partners at  Friends of the Chicago River.
As we prepare to give thanks, please know that we are grateful for the opportunity to be of service to HCBA Members and Friends. Thanks for reading! Please be in touch with your suggestions or comments. Happy Thanksgiving!

With Gratitude, 

Mary Ellen Guest
Executive Director
Historic Chicago Bungalow Association
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HISTORIC CHICAGO BUNGALOW ASSOCIATION |  www.chicagobungalow.org