DURHAM, MO. -- The North East Community Action Corporation is helping residents of northeast Missouri improve their homes.

This year NECAC is able to help around 700 families make improvements -- that's 200 more than last year.

Qualifying residents, like the Dickerson's in Durham, can get up to $6,500 dollars of help.

Crews installed carbon monoxide detectors, a new front door, and insulated windows.

Harsh winter conditions can really do a number on your house.

NECAC spokesman Brent Engel says this is good for the whole community.

"We like to say there are some bad four letter words out there. Some of them are cold, wind, rain, and snow.  There are two very good reasons to do this program. One, it saves home owners money, and two, it revitalizes the housing stock in our community," said NECAC spokesman Brent Engel.

"It'll become more energy sufficient, cut down on electric bills, heat bills, water bills, all that," said homeowner Charity Dickerson.

One of the things that is taken into consideration is income level.

Applications are being accepted at NECAC Service Centers in each county.

You can also call them at 1-800-748-7636.