Candita, a recipient of one of our Home Upgrade Grants (HUG), shares her experience with our program—one of many reminders of how critical home repairs are for our neighbors.

Too often, families in our community are left struggling with the high costs of maintaining a safe and livable home. No one should have to endure freezing winters, poor air quality, or hazardous living conditions simply because home repairs are out of reach.

Candita joined the HUG program hoping to winterize her home. After contractors helped with insulation, she not only experienced a warmer home but also noticed improved air circulation and a significant reduction in the mold smell that had been lingering in her basement.

Her story is one of many that highlight the urgent need for programs like HUG. MHET is working hard to ensure families can live in safe, healthy homes and that Kingston remains a place where residents don’t have to choose between everyday expenses and essential home repairs.

Anne had been relying on small space heaters for two winters after her fossil heating system broke and state programs were unwilling to assist.

While she received some funding for insulation through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), Anne could not get assistance for a new heating source because of strict building envelope requirements. 

Thanks to our Home Upgrade Grants, we were able to heat Anne’s home this winter with brand new, top of the line, all-electric cold climate heat pumps! Partnering with amazing local Kingston contractor, HWS, we installed two air source heat pumps, one on each floor, so she no longer relies on space heaters, fossil fuels, OR window units for their HVAC needs. Watch her testimonial video below.

Get a behind the scenes look at our first install of 2025!

Thanks to our Home Upgrade Grants, we were able to heat this home this winter with brand new, top of the line, all-electric cold climate heat pumps! Partnering with amazing local Kingston contractor, HWS, we installed two air source heat pumps, one on each floor, so this homeowner no longer relies on space heaters, fossil fuels, OR window units for their HVAC needs.

MHET’s Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) Program is transforming the way health and safety upgrades are made to homes. This program provides participants with free wrap-around technical assistance, ensuring that each step of the process is smooth and stress-free.

Diana, a recent HUG recipient, discovered the program when she was seeking ways to make her home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Like many homeowners, she faced challenges with keeping her home warm in the winter and reducing energy costs. When she heard about the opportunity to receive free home upgrades, she jumped at the chance to learn more.

Through the HUG program, Diana received a free home energy assessment, which allowed MHET and its partner contractor to identify areas in her home that could benefit from energy efficiency improvements. The assessment revealed that insulation was the key to making Diana’s home warmer and more cost-effective.

Diana shared how impressed she was with the process:

“The contractors were really nice! They explained the process, they were very clean. I can already feel the difference!”