Home Uplift Program celebrates 6,000 homeowner served

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)—The Home Uplift Program is celebrating having served 6,000 homeowners. The program is a partnership between BrightRidge and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that serves residents of Northeast Tennessee.

The Home Uplift Program has provided $3.2 million in critical home improvements to 257 local homeowners, helping them save an average of nearly $400 annually on their energy bills.

Jeff Dykes, president and CEO of BrightRidge, said the program provides insulation, HVAC repairs and more.

“This is one of the most exciting things that we do with our community because this is a program that truly impacts lives. The Home Uplift program, which is a combination of TVA and BrightRidge working together, is a program that helps people that cant afford or don’t have the means to make changes in their home.”

Dykes mentioned that the average cost to improve some of the homes was $10,000, significantly benefiting homeowners and enhancing their properties.

“It makes the home not only more efficient, which saves money, and that’s a great impact on people’s lives when they can save money, but it also makes that home healthier. It makes it tight. It really makes life better for them not only financially but also in their well-being.”

Dykes said helping people in the area gives him a “heartwarming feeling.”

Mark Morton, the homeowner, said this joy spread to everyone involved in the project, including himself.

“I was in the Marines for 23 years, moving all over the world, and never really had a place to call home,” said Morton. “When I moved here to East Tennessee, not only is the landscape beautiful and the country beautiful, the people are wonderful, the home is gorgeous and we really lucked into it. I wake up every day happy. Happy to be here. Happy to be a part of this wonderful state and this town.”

Morton mentioned that the program was easy to work with and thoroughly inspected the entire property.

“Once the phones started ringing, the people were very helpful, [they] didn’t waste our time, everything was very efficient. They came into the house and checked the efficiency of it. Fine tooth-combed. They checked every nook and cranny, attic, basement, crawl space inside and outside, a very professional job.”

Morton said some of the projects that Home Uplift worked on during the week were previously on his to-do list. He said the program is made of a dedicated bunch.

“I’m very grateful for the improvements made to my home, but I think the most important thing is the people—the employees and staff members. Each one of them was dedicated, and they treated this job like it was their own corporation. And that’s what really sells me about them; these people believe in this. You can’t fake that. Their dedication to this company speaks volumes.”

The Home Uplift program is still accepting applications. Those interested can learn more here .

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