>N.J. energy program improves homes
Owning her own home has been Denise Melendez’s dream since she left Puerto Rico more than a decade ago and moved to Camden.
After renting an apartment, the working mother and single parent of two boys eventually bought a house for less than $150,000 in East Camden. She soon discovered repairs were needed.
Through word of mouth from friends and family, Melendez contacted the Comfort Partners Program, a free statewide energy upgrade initiative for low-income families. Now she is saving thousands of dollars on materials, appliances and installation to make her house on Mitchell Street more energy-efficient. (Comegno, Gannett)
