Garden Hills Safety Lighting Energy Efficiency Program (SLEEP)
The application period is now closed. If you are interested in applying for SLEEP, then contact RPC at 217-819-4119 to add your name to the list for future application periods. Check back on April 1, 2020 for an update.
Garden Hills SLEEP is a Safety Lighting Energy Efficiency Program that was created to improve safety and energy efficiency for eligible single-family households in the form of grants and matching funds. The program was developed for the Garden Hills neighborhood and an area of approximately 130 houses bordered by McKinley, Bradley, Illinois Brick Company and Kraft (see the eligibility area map on the right side of this page) and will be implemented through a partnership between the City, Champaign County Regional Planning Commission and Ameren Illinois.
SLEEP Safety Items and Eligibility Requirements
Safety Items Eligibility Information
- Rental and owner-occupied households in the eligibility area (see eligibility area map) may be eligible for SLEEP.
- Applicants will have the option to select the eligible items based on their interest and need.
- Households at or below 80% median family income (see Income Eligibility Chart) may be eligible for SLEEP.
- To verify income, households will be required to submit proof of all sources of income for the last six months at the time of application.
- To be approved, an applicant and their property must be free of delinquent liens or encumbrances, outstanding City fees and code violations.
- Assistance will be provided in the form of a grant for owner occupied homes and a 50% dollar for dollar match from the property owner/landlord for homes that are not owner-occupied.
- The maximum assistance level for eligible households is up to $5,000 per house.
| Eligible Safety Items | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency escape and rescue windows | $1,500.00 | Up to 3 windows/house at $500/each meeting City Code requirements |
| Yard pole light | $1,500.00 | Energy efficiency features |
| Entry point exterior lights | $300.00 | Energy efficiency features |
| Exterior door/window locks | $100.00 | |
| Switch plate cover | $10.00 | Encourages dusk to dawn light use |
| View finders | $10.00 | |
| House numbers | $10.00 | |
| Smoke + Carbon Monoxide detector | $75.00 | |
| Landscape improvements | $1,000.00 | Labor only |
| Video doorbell | $250.00 | Does not include monitoring service |
| Total Estimate | $4,755.00 | If all items needed and chosen by owner |
SLEEP Energy Efficiency Items and Eligibility Requirements
Energy Efficiency Eligibility Information
- Rental and owner-occupied households in the eligibility area (see eligibility area map) living in single-family homes may be eligible for SLEEP.
- Applicants will have the option to select the eligible items based on their interest and need.
- Income eligibility for each energy efficiency item is detailed in the chart below.
- To verify income, households will be required to submit proof of all sources of income for the last six months at the time of application.
- Assistance will be provided in the form of a grant for all households.
| Eligible Energy Efficiency Items | Notes | Income Eligibility Details |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency kit (light bulbs, showerhead, power strip, faucet aerators) | One kit per household | No income restrictions |
| Energy efficient LED lightbulbs | Lightbulbs for all fixtures throughout the home | No income restrictions |
| Energy efficient lights with dusk to dawn sensor | Existing front, rear and garage door light fixtures | Single-family homeowners or renters with total household income at or below 300% federal poverty level |
| Replacement of non-functioning entry point exterior light fixtures with energy efficient lights with dusk to dawn sensors | Existing front, rear and garage door light fixtures. No new installations | Single-family homeowners or renters with total household income at or below 300% federal poverty level |
| SMART thermostat | One thermostat per household | Single-family homeowners or renters with total household income at or below 300% federal poverty level |
| Home energy efficiency upgrades | Energy efficiency measures will be based on assessment conducted by a certified assessor. Measures may include air sealing; insulation; and energy efficient furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners | Single-family homeowners or renters with total household income between 200%-300% federal poverty level |
Income Eligibility Chart
| Family Size | 80% MFI | 200% Poverty Level | 300% Poverty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $44,550 | $24,980 | $37,470 |
| 2 persons | $50,900 | $33,820 | $50,730 |
| 3 persons | $57,250 | $42,660 | $63,990 |
| 4 persons | $63,600 | $51,500 | $77,250 |
| 5 persons | $68,700 | $60,340 | $90,510 |
| 6 persons | $73,800 | $69,180 | $103,770 |
| 7 persons | $78,900 | $78,020 | $117,030 |
| 8 persons | $84,000 | $86,860 | $130,290 |
Staff from the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) will complete door-to-door canvassing to educate homes about energy efficiency and will also distribute and install energy enhancements. The home safety self-evaluation can be completed during the full application process. See a sample of a full evaluation at the link below.
Garden Hills SLEEP Home Safety Self-Evaluation
The application period is now closed. If you are interested in applying for SLEEP, then contact RPC at 217-819-4119 to add your name to the list for future application periods. Check back on November 1, 2019 for an update.
Learn more about the SLEEP program in this informative video!
Garden Hills Sleep Program Eligibility Area
