Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

  • Yes, all of our services are provided at 100% NO COST to applicants that are eligible for the programs. To check if you may qualify, please refer to our online application forms.

  • Yes, the majority of our staff members are bilingual in Spanish and English. Give us a call, we will be happy to help you.

  • Maravilla proudly serves communities within our specific service areas in Eastern Los Angeles county, including: Commerce, East LA, LA city, Burbank, Glendale, Lancaster, and Palmdale. You can use our online ZIP Code checker to see if you are within our service area or contact us via submission form.

Utility Assistance (HEAP)

  • A household is eligible to apply once per program year.

  • Both bills are a mandatory state requirement.

  • This is a household program, and it is a mandatory state requirement to apply.

  • Yes, continue paying your bill to avoid interruption of services.

    Credit may take up to 2-3 months to appear on your utility bill. Until then, you are required to continue paying your monthly utility bills.

  • No, applicants must either be a U.S. Citizen or a Qualified Non-Citizen to be eligible for assistance. Qualified Non-Citizens include:

    o Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)

    o Refugees

    o Asylees

    o Certain Parolees (must be paroled into the U.S. for at least 1 year under Section 212(d)(5) of the INA)

    o Conditional Entrants

    o Cuban/Haitian Entrants

    o Individuals with Withholding of Removal

    o Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants

    o Afghan Humanitarian Parolees

    o Citizens of Countries Governed by the Compacts of Free Association (COFA)

    o Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees

    o Certain survivors of Domestic Violence, human trafficking, or other serious crimes.

    Note that these categories are subject to certain restrictions and the Maravilla Foundation can provide additional information to potential applicants on request.

  • No, the bill should not have any pre-existing credit(s).

  • We require our applicants to reside in their homes long enough to at least receive a full 30 day cycle bill from their utility company.

  • Failure to provide all required documents/ forms will result in the return of your application. If this is the case, you will need to start the application process again.

  • Our HEAP assist program can only issue credit to one utility bill.

  • The LIHEAP Utility Assistance benefit amount varies from client to client based on their qualifications including household size, household income, etc.

Weatherization (LIHEAP/ECIP/DOE)

  • There are three main reasons to have your home weatherized:

    1) Savings on your monthly utility bills

    2) Carbon monoxide levels will be identified and monitored

    3) Your home will be more energy efficient and comfortable

  • Step 1: Outreach Assessment

    Our certified assessors conduct a thorough energy assessment of your home in order to identify deficient areas for improvement and energy-saving opportunities.

    This assessment can take approximately 2-4 hours.

    Step 2: Physical Assessment and Inspection

    The following locations are carefully checks:

    The entire building. This includes installed lighting and other equipment. Visual inspections are performed in order to record current energy-efficiency levels.

    Diagnostic testing of building walls and the air distribution system to find air leak locations.

    Heating and cooling equipment (HVAC) for efficiency.

    Other appliances that pose potential health hazards (ex. appliances that may be leaking carbon monoxide)

    Step 3: Weatherization Installation

    After the inspection, our experience technicians will visit your home to make the necessary repairs and installations.

    Final Step: Quality Assurance Inspection

    Our certified inspectors conduct a thorough quality assurance inspection of the measures installed by our team of experts. Any work installed that do not meet weatherization installation standards will be remedied immediately. Additionally, some measures such as replacements of hot water heaters, furnaces and/or air conditioners may be inspected by local building and safety officials.

  • An address check is done first to determine if your home is within our service area. We then direct you to an intake specialist. They will then contact you and start your application process, or you can download an application on our website.

  • Once you have applied, we will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you have applied, you can call 323-869-4600.

  • There are several agencies in Los Angeles County that offer similar weatherization services as Maravilla.

    -If you live near South L.A., Mid City, or the South Bay, call PACE at (213) 353-3982.

    -If you live near Pomona, Whittier, El Monte, or Norwalk, call Long Beach CAP at (888) 351-4061.

    -If you're not sure who to contact, call us directly and we'll make sure you are referred to the correct agency, or contact the California Department of Community Services & Development.

  • After the initial home assessment, all of your paperwork must be processed and approved. Once approved, the materials are ordered for your home and we are ready to begin work. This process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. We will always call you to schedule work at your home.

  • We can always check your status but as a reminder due to high influx of applications it can take 6-8 weeks from the date it was approved to receive a call for your first assessment appointment.

  • If you are unable to be present at your home during the installation appointment, you may leave anyone 18 years or older in your place. Please inform the Maravilla scheduler when confirming your appointment if someone else will be at your home in your place.

  • Once you are approved a full inspection is done on your home and an Inspector will determine what feasible measures your home may qualify for. As a reminder every home dwelling can differ.

Lead Abatement

  • Lead is a major concern for homes and facilities that were built prior to 1978. The paint used for these buildings contain high levels of lead. This lead can be found in forms such as paint, paint chips, and dust. All forms are dangerous and pose critical health hazards if they are not taken care of properly.

    In fact there is a federal law that requires landlords, property sellers, and renovators to disclose any lead-based paint information.

  • Fact #1: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies before they are born.

    Fact #2: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of leasd in their bodies.

    Fact #3: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

    Fact #4: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

    Fact #5: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

  • There are 3 ways lead can enter the human body:

    1) Breathing in lead dust (commonly occurs during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).

    2) Putting hands or other objects covered with lead dust in your mouth.

    3) Eating paint chips or soil that contains lead.

  • Children are affected by lead poisoning the most. Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Their growing bodies absorb more lead.

    Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them.

  • -In children, exposure to lead can cause:

    -Nervous system and kidney damage

    -Learning disabilities, attention-deficit disorder, and decreased intelligence

    -Speech, language, and behavior problems

    -Poor muscle coordination

    -Decreased muscle and bone growth

    -Hearing damage

    * Exposure to high amounts of lead can have devastating effects on children, including seizures, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death.

  • In adults, exposure to lead can cause:

    -Harm to a developing fetus in pregnant women

    -Increased change of high blood pressure during pregnancy

    -Fertility problems in both men and women

    -High blood pressure

    -Digestive problems

    -Nerve disorders

    -Memory and concentration problems

    -Muscle and joint pain

  • Get your children and home tested if you think your home has lead.

    -Children's blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age, and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age

    -Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children. A simple blood test can detect lead. Blood lead tests are usually recommended for:

    -Children at ages 1 and 2

    -Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead

    -Children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan

  • There are 3 ways to check your home for lead:

    1) Paint inspection to identify types of paints

    2) Risk assessment of lead exposure

    3) Home test kits (not 100% accurate)

  • There are plenty of initiatives to keep your family safe from lead:

    1) If you rent, notify your landlord about peeling or chipping paint

    2) Clean up paint chips immediately

    3) Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly

    4) Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or rusty areas

    5) Wash children's hands often, especially before they eat and before nap and bed time.

    6) Keep areas clean

    7) Keep children from chewing window sills or other paint surfaces

    8) Clean or remove shoes before entering your home

    9) Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals that are high in iron and calcium (examples: spinach and dairy).

    For more information, please call the National Lead Information Center: 1-800-424-5323Item description