TDHCA Press Room

Energy efficiency the gift that keeps on giving

Looking to give a truly unique gift this holiday season? Why not offer friends and family the yearly savings that come with energy efficiency?

All Texans, regardless of income, can benefit from a more affordable home through lower utility bills. Everyone enjoys saving money and resources. What's not to like?

Now, no one is suggesting a kiss underneath the high density rubber foam insulation, but here are a few tips for gifts generally under $30* that might just start a new holiday tradition:

Water heater insulation jackets, which newer tanks likely do not need, can reduce stand-by heat losses in older units by 25 percent to 45 percent and 4 percent to 9 percent in annual expenses. Cost: $18 - $28

Compact fluorescent light bulbs can save over five times the purchase price in electricity costs over the lamp's lifetime: Cost: $4 - $15

Aerosol insulating foam expands to take the shape of cracks to form an airtight, water-resistant bond that reduces or eliminates air leaks: Cost: $4 - $7

Weather stripping doors and windows also keeps interior air in and outside air out, saving energy and money: Cost: $4 - $8

Low flow showerheads slash hot water consumption 50 percent to 70 percent per shower, saving money and water: Cost: $10 - $17

Best of all, the estimated benefits from most of these improvements provide real value year after year for up to 20 years. It's the gift that truly keeps on giving!

*Prices are averages and subject to cost variations depending upon manufacturer, brand, and retailer.

News Releases

News releases are developed by the Communications and Marketing section of the Division of Policy and Public Affairs to publicize TDHCA program activities. These include application funding cycles, program grant awards, special events, board activities, and other relevant information.

Date	Headline
10/11/2013	State housing agency awards $1.2 million to expand El Paso’s affordable rental market
10/11/2013	State housing agency awards $442,000 to expand Levelland’s affordable rental mark
10/11/2013	State housing agency awards $1.5 million to expand San Antonio’s affordable rental market
10/11/2013	State housing agency awards $890,000 to expand affordable rental market for Richmond’s seniors
09/20/2013	Director of state housing agency’s Multifamily Finance Division named industry’s ‘2013 Young Leader’
09/12/2013	State housing agency awards $1.2 million to expand Austin’s affordable rental market
07/25/2013	State housing agency allocates $57.8 million in tax credits; financing tool to create 5,000 units of affordable housing
06/14/2013	State housing agency, Governor’s Homeownership Month proclamation promote, support affordable homeownership
05/09/2013	County earns additional $500,000 from state housing agency to expand assistance to colonia residents (El Paso County)
02/25/2013	$12 million federal grant to help Texas house, reduce homelessness among low-income persons with disabilities
02/21/2013	State housing agency’s $3 million loan to expand affordable rental market, housing choice in Midland
01/17/2013	State housing agency sending local nonprofit additional $182,000 to fight, prevent homelessness (Houston)
01/17/2013	State housing agency sending local nonprofit additional $128,750 to fight, prevent homelessness (Austin)
01/17/2013	State awards $1 million to improve housing, lives for colonia residents in Cameron and Willacy counties
01/17/2013	State housing agency’s $3 million loan to lift Lake Dallas’ affordable rental market, increase housing choice
01/17/2013	State housing agency’s $1.45 million loan to continue expansion of housing choice, economy in Johnson City
12/13/2012	State housing agency’s funding package to increase housing choice, add boost to New Braunfels economy
12/13/2012	State housing agency cements deal providing energy assistance, self-sufficiency programs in six area counties (Southwest Texas)
10/09/2012	State housing agency’s funding package to increase housing choice, add momentum to Lubbock economy
09/06/2012	State housing agency’s $1.5 million loan to lift Brownwood’s affordable rental market, increase housing choice
09/06/2012	State housing agency’s $2 million loan to lift Blanco’s affordable rental market, increase housing choice
08/20/2012	State council report: Continue to match employment and health services, local housing programs to reduce homelessness
07/27/2012	State housing agency’s $48.6 million in housing tax credits to expand housing choices, support local economies
07/26/2012	State housing agency awards $1.2 million to county improving housing, lives in colonias (Webb County)
07/26/2012	State housing agency awards $1 million to county improving housing, lives in colonias (Hidalgo County)
06/29/2012	State housing agency: $97 million ready to ease energy cost burden for low-income Texans
06/14/2012	State housing agency: Four great ways to celebrate Homeownership Month and achieve American Dream
06/14/2012	State housing agency sending $8.7 million to local providers working to prevent homelessness
06/14/2012	State housing agency moves to restore energy assistance program in six southwest Texas counties
05/23/2012	Texans encouraged to lower housing costs through Energy Star sales tax holiday
05/11/2012	State awards $125,000 to regional nonprofit helping lift Native Americans into self sufficiency (Dallas)
05/11/2012	State awards $125,000 to regional nonprofit helping lift farmworkers into self sufficiency (South Plains)
05/11/2012	State awards $51,600 to Hidalgo County to help lift farmworkers into self sufficiency
05/11/2012	State awards $125,000 to local nonprofit helping lift farmworkers into self sufficiency (San Antonio)
05/11/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Holliday
05/11/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Lockney
05/11/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Olton
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Anson
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in George West
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Madisonville
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in McCamey
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $435,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Muleshoe
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Ore City
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Rockport
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Roma
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Rusk
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Seminole
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Sinton
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $522,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Skellytown
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to replace older homes, revitalize neighborhoods in Wolfe City
04/17/2012	State housing agency awards $1.1 million to regional nonprofit enhancing client stability, neighborhood vitality (West Central Texas)
04/17/2012	State housing agency providing lift to Kaufman’s affordable rental market, increasing housing choice
04/17/2012	State housing agency providing lift to Orange’s affordable rental market, increasing housing choice
04/04/2012	Governor Perry and state housing agency celebrate Fair Housing Month, pledge support for housing choice
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $2 million to expand rental housing choices in Johnson City
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Troup
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Orange Grove
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in New Summerfield
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Gilmer
03/07/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Agua Dulce
02/17/2012	State housing agency awards $3.6 million for housing helping youth transition out of foster care (Austin)
02/16/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Rising Star
02/16/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Lindale
02/16/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Ingleside
02/16/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in East Bernard
02/16/2012	State housing agency awards $368,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Bullard
02/16/2012	State housing agency makes $300,000 commitment to affordable single family housing in Prairie View, Hempstead
01/18/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in the City of Taft
01/18/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in the City of Carrizo Springs
01/18/2012	State housing agency awards $542,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in the City of Andrews
11/10/2011	State invests $950,000 to expand senior rental housing choices in Midlothian
09/30/2011	State housing, health agencies secure $330,000 grant increasing housing choices for persons with disabilities
09/15/2011	State housing agency makes $681,600 commitment to affordable single-family housing in Los Fresnos
07/29/2011	State housing agency awards $39.5 million to boost housing options and local economies
07/19/2011	State housing agency moves to restore utility bill payment assistance program to Trans-Pecos region
07/18/2011	State housing agency commits $4.9 million statewide to prevent homelessness in Texas
06/30/2011	State housing agency recognizes year’s top lenders, loan officers during Homeownership Month
06/30/2011	State housing agency’s innovative pilot homebuyer program offers up to $20,000 in down payment assistance
06/30/2011	State housing agency, Houston nonprofit helping secure housing for persons with disabilities
06/30/2011	State housing agency, regional nonprofit helping secure housing for persons with disabilities (South Texas)
06/30/2011	State, regional nonprofit aim to bring stability to lives of older residents, persons with disabilities (West Central Texas)
06/30/2011	State, local nonprofit aim to bring long-term stability to lives of low income young adults (Houston)
06/30/2011	State, local agencies aim to bring long-term stability to lives of low income young adults (Bexar County)
06/15/2011	State housing agency secures $619,696 grant to expand home foreclosure prevention efforts
05/10/2011	State housing agency makes $190,000 investment in southeast Texas through homebuyer assistance
05/10/2011	State housing agency awards additional $49,600 to Webb County to improve colonia housing
05/10/2011	State housing agency awards $1 million to Starr County to improve colonia housing
05/10/2011	State housing agency awards $1 million to Maverick County to improve colonia housing
05/09/2011	State awards $65,000 to regional nonprofit to help lift Native Americans out of poverty (North Texas)
05/09/2011	State awards $28,600 to regional nonprofit to help lift migrant farmworkers out of poverty (South Plains)
05/09/2011	State awards $65,000 to regional nonprofit helping lift migrant farmworkers out of poverty (South Central Texas)
05/09/2011	State awards $36,400 to local nonprofit helping lift migrant farmworkers out of poverty (Maverick County)
05/09/2011	State awards $65,000 to regional nonprofit in helping lift migrant farmworkers out of poverty (Jim Hogg, Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties)
05/06/2011	State housing agency awards $787,000 to preserve, increase homeownership in Center
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Floyd County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Floyd County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in San Patricio County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in City of Miles
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Kilgore
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in City of Josephine
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Jim Wells County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in City of Electra
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $410,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Dickens County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Corsicana
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Columbus
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Teague
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Roscoe
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $435,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Ralls
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Palacios
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Mount Vernon
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Hitchcock
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Elkhart
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $522,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in the City of Bronte
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $2 million commitment to maintaining homeownership in Refugio County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $1 million commitment to maintaining homeownership in Pecos County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $1.2 million commitment to maintaining homeownership in Motley County
05/06/2011	State housing agency makes $957,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Hale County
05/04/2011	Texas receives $3.3 million federal grant to fight, prevent homelessness
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Bee Community Action)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Hays, Caldwell, Blanco Counties)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (South Texas)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Combined Community Action)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $25,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Concho Valley)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $25,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Hidalgo County)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Nueces County)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (South East Texas)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (South Plains)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Dallas Urban League)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $50,000 to area nonprofit, continues innovative program started with stimulus funds (Williamson-Burnet Counties)
03/15/2011	State housing agency awards $120,000 in homebuyer assistance funds to Midland Habitat Chapter
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Bogata
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Coahoma
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Eagle Lake
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Gregory
03/15/2011	State awards $435,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Spur
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Stanton
03/15/2011	State awards $522,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Wallis
01/24/2011	State continues to aggressively curb home foreclosures through increased counseling
01/20/2011	State housing agency makes $345,000 investment in McKinney through homebuyer assistance
01/20/2011	State housing agency, regional nonprofit helping area low income tenants secure decent housing
01/20/2011	State housing agency makes $480,000 commitment to maintaining homeownership in Clarksville
01/14/2011	State housing agency making $45 million available through innovative first time homebuyer program
12/28/2010	State housing agency awards $3.9 million for affordable housing in Houston, stabilizing seniors and lifting local economy
12/28/2010	State housing agency awards $929,200 for affordable housing in Sulphur Springs, stabilizing seniors and lifting local economy
12/28/2010	State housing agency awards $858,900 for affordable housing in Lufkin, stabilizing families and lifting local economy
12/27/2010	State housing agency awards $1.3 million to expand senior housing in Del Rio
12/27/2010	State housing agency awards $2 million to expand senior housing in Schertz
11/23/2010	New Navy Park housing development offers low income residents of Orange reason to give thanks
11/05/2010	State housing agency offers lowest homebuyer interest rates in program history
08/25/2010	Energy Secretary applauds Texas’ Weatherization Assistance Program
08/06/2010	State housing agency awards $800,000 to help strengthen neighborhoods in Harris County
08/06/2010	State housing agency awards $1.9 million to strengthen neighborhoods in Brownsville
08/06/2010	State housing agency awards $1.2 million to help strengthen neighborhoods in Travis County
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $68 million for affordable rental housing, stabilizing families and lifting the state’s economy
08/05/2010	State housing agency, Austin area nonprofit helping secure housing for persons with disabilities
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $300,000 in homebuyer assistance funds to Starr County
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $300,000 in homebuyer assistance funds to the Midland CDC
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards CDC of Brownsville $300,000 for homebuyer assistance
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $400,000 to repair, replace substandard housing in Willacy County
08/05/2010	State awards $125,000 to expand homeownership in Central, North Texas through new program
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $125,000 to Dallas nonprofit to help leverage funds, fight homelessness
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $240,000 to four South Texas organizations
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $60,000 to Laredo nonprofit organization assisting low income residents
08/05/2010	State housing agency awards $177,800 to three El Paso organizations assisting low income residents
07/19/2010	Texas receives $5.2 million federal grant to fight, prevent homelessness
07/09/2010	State housing agency awards $49,500 to CDC of Brownsville through new rural housing expansion program
07/08/2010	State housing agency awards $37,500 to Brazos Valley CDC through new rural housing expansion program
06/28/2010	State housing agency salutes year's top lenders for first time homebuyer programs
06/28/2010	State housing agency builds off successful program, seeks additional vouchers for persons with disabilities
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $632,693 to increase, maintain homeownership in Fannin County (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards funding to increase homebuyer opportunities (PDF format): Paris - $300,000 Rio Hondo - $300,000 Whitney - $300,000
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards funding to maintain homeownership (PDF format): Beeville - $400,000 Deport - $432,693 Queen City - $400,000 Rockwall - $160,000
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $1.4 million in Lufkin to repair homes, expand rental housing choices (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards funding for senior rental housing (PDF format): Luling - $2.5 million West - $710,000
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $675,000 to Hale Center farmworker housing (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $350,000 to Brazos Valley Affordable Housing for new single family housing program (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $250,000 to repair single family housing in Willacy County through new program (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency, local nonprofit helping area low income tenants secure decent housing (Parker and Wise counties) (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards $125,000 to expand supportive housing in Houston through new program (PDF)
06/28/2010	State housing agency awards funding to fight, prevent homelessness (PDF format): Brazos Valley region - $34,000 McLennan County - $21,300
05/21/2010	State housing agency releases first funds under $500 million of new bond authority for first time homebuyers (PDF)
05/13/2010	State makes funding commitments to maintaining homeownership through home repairs in the following areas (PDF format): Asherton Cochran County Haskell County Kerr County San Patricio County Sinton Terry County West Tawakoni Zavala County
05/13/2010	State invests $500,000 to expand rental housing choices in Abilene for elderly persons with disabilities (PDF)
05/13/2010	State makes funding commitments to developing affordable single-family housing in Midland County and Cameron County (PDF)
05/13/2010	State makes $500,000 commitment to increasing, maintaining homeownership in Texarkana (PDF)
05/13/2010	State housing agency, area nonprofits partnering to provide rental assistance, foster self sufficiency (Lufkin region) (PDF)
05/13/2010	State awards El Paso County (PDF) and Val Verde County (PDF) $1.2 million for Colonia Self Help Center operations
05/13/2010	State housing agency invests $4.9 million to fight, prevent homelessness in Texas (PDF)
05/13/2010	State housing agency sending $548,000 to five agencies helping Texans transition out of poverty at local level (PDF)
05/13/2010	State housing agency awards funding to help stabilize neighborhoods in Hidalgo County, Llano County and Garland (PDF)
05/12/2010	State awards first $1.7 million to 8 local groups through new program improving accessibility for persons with disabilities (PDF)
05/06/2010	TDHCA down payment program results in $111.3 million in mortgage loans, 854 new homeowners (PDF)
03/12/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Edgewood through home repair funds (PDF)
03/11/2010	State funds to help Starr County restore housing in wake of damaging floods (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency, local nonprofit helping secure housing for persons with disabilities (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency makes $400,000 investment in George West through home repair funds (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Albany through home repair funds (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency makes $300,000 investment in Hillsboro through homebuyer assistance (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency makes $300,000 investment in Combes through homebuyer assistance (PDF)
03/11/2010	State housing agency makes $96,000 investment in Carrollton through homebuyer assistance (PDF)
03/11/2010	State awards $955,000 to eight state, local partners lifting Texans out of poverty, toward self-sufficiency (PDF)
02/17/2010	New state council visits El Paso, gathers input on special needs housing (PDF)
02/09/2010	State's $30 million mortgage credit program to help veterans become homeowners (PDF)
01/29/2010	New state council visits Metroplex, gathers input on special needs housing (PDF)
01/29/2010	New state council visits Austin, gathers input on special needs housing (PDF)
01/23/2010	New state council visits Houston, gathers input on special needs housing (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency providing lift to East Austin’s affordable rental market (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $225,000 investment in Temple through homebuyer assistance (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Atlanta through home repair funds (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Crane County through home repair funds (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $320,000 investment in DeKalb through home repair funds (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Muleshoe through home repair funds (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $432,000 investment in Van Horn through home repair funds (PDF)
01/23/2010	State housing agency makes $320,000 investment in Vinton through home repair funds (PDF)

Archived News Releases