Champion's home was weatherized last Monday by Sundogs Solutions thanks to a share of the $132 million in stimulus money set aside for home improvements. The money is channeled through the state's Resources for Seniors Weatherization program.

The additional funds meant the program could be used for single mothers like Champion who qualified, not only seniors who can benefit as well.

Sundogs Solutions hired four unemployed workers to the company payroll because of the extra state work it anticipates because of stimulus funds, said its owner Marc Desormeau.

"It's not only adding value to this home, but it's good for the country," said Congressman Brad Miller who voted for the bill that made the program possible. "We need to use less energy and it puts people to work. They'll go to the grocery store and employees of the grocery store will to the car dealer...The dollars turn over in an obviously tough economy."

Champion found out about the program when she received a postcard in the mail. She applied in January, and got accepted in September.

Champion's home will be reinsulated and the duct system will be repaired. Workers already installed a "clean" crawl space under the house that is mildew- and mold-free.

Champion, who is enrolled in the online master's program at N.C. State for counseling, is a college financial aid counselor at the College Foundation of North Carolina.

She is so pleased with the program that she's talked a friend, Patisha Mamneh, another financial aid counselor and widow with children, into applying to weatherize her home.

Desormeau said having the work from the additional funds have made it economical to invest in new equipment.