Building Healthier, More Energy-Efficient Homes: The Envelope and Energy Grant Pilot Project

Across Cook County, families are seeing real improvements in their comfort, health, and energy bills thanks to the Envelope and Energy Grant Pilot Project, a collaborative initiative between the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS), Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP), and the City of Grand Marais. The program aims to help homeowners increase their home's energy efficiency and comfort.

Why the Project Matters

The effort was born out of the Healthy Housing Network Group, which identified two of the most pressing housing concerns in the county. The fire is related to the “envelope” of homes including the windows, doors, siding, roofing, and insulation that keep weather and energy inside where they belong. The second is energy related, including the increase need for energy consumption in the colder weather due to drafty homes and lack of insulation.

Many local homes, built decades ago or intended only for seasonal use, are drafty, inefficient, and costly to heat through long Northern Minnesota winters. By offering targeted grants, the pilot program makes it possible for income-qualified homeowners to complete critical upgrades that would otherwise remain out of reach financially. These improvements don’t just lower utility bills, they extend the lifetime of housing structures, improve comfort, and contribute to healthier living environments for residents.

Funding and Reach

The program has been funded through Minnesota Department of Health Healthy Homes Grants providing up to $750 per household for envelope mitigation. Pilot Project Funds through the HRA provided two rounds of funding in 2024 and 2025 totaling more than $50,000. 

Already, five projects have been completed with four more projects with signed grant agreements underway from Grand Portage down to Schroeder. Some households have used funds for stand-alone projects, while others combined the grants with personal financing to cover larger projects.

Real Impacts for Real Families

Testimonials show how transformative these upgrades are. One homeowner, who had been living with ice forming on their outdated windows, was able to replace half of them, dramatically cutting heat loss which should significantly lower the homeowner’s energy bills for the coming winter. 

Another grant recipient used the funds to use spray foam insulation to eliminate drafts coming from their crawl space. Another recipient reported that they were able to delay the use of their home’s heating system until further into the fall season than they have in previous years.

Others expressed gratitude that, at retirement age with a fixed income, they could finally make their homes more efficient, and healthier, for themselves and future owners.

A Model for the Future

By combining local leadership, state-level funding, and community commitment, the Envelope and Energy Grant Pilot Project is not only helping with home energy efficiency, they are allowing residents’ to save money and experience long-term housing comfort and stability. With continued rounds of funding, Cook County is setting an example of how small communities can take big steps toward healthier, more sustainable homes.