Bringing energy efficiency to Minnesota’s manufactured home communities

Manufactured home parks represent the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the U.S., yet these communities have not historically been reached by energy efficiency programs. We worked with Minnesota Energy Resources to bridge this gap by launching and implementing the state’s first Manufactured Home Blitz Program, which delivers do-it-yourself energy kits, education, and safety services directly to manufactured home park residents.

Challenge

When the Manufactured Home Blitz Program launched in 2021, it was initially approved at 50% low-income qualification, rather than the full 100% originally proposed, which limited the program’s ability to fully serve the intended communities.

After running several community events, our team identified practical challenges with income verification including: language barriers among residents, lack of awareness about program eligibility, and the discomfort of discussing personal financial information in public settings.

Solution

After presenting these challenges and evidence of the low-income housing stock, state regulators approved the program’s energy savings and spending at a 100% low-income classification.

This decision allowed our team to dramatically expand the program’s impact, bringing comprehensive services directly to communities through coordinated partnerships and in-person engagement.

Results

The program’s approach has proven to be highly effective, exceeding its energy savings goal of 77,039 therms while distributing 1,351 weatherization kits across manufactured home parks statewide. Strategic partnerships play a key role in delivering the program’s energy efficiency and safety benefits. Local electric utilities have supplied energy-saving LED bulbs, while various agencies including the Clean Energy Resource Team and local community organizations have supported program delivery and outreach.

Additional partnerships with local fire departments, the American Red Cross, and United Way have enabled the program to deliver measurable safety benefits, including the installation of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in residents’ homes.

The integrated, community-centered model forms the foundation of a holistic program that addresses energy efficiency and safety needs simultaneously for the people who truly need them.