Stacey Epperson, President and Founder of Next Step

Mission

To put sustainable homeownership within reach of everyone, while transforming the manufactured housing industry through consumer education, affordability and energy efficiency.

Challenge

Manufactured housing is a critical resource in the United States’ most impoverished regions and for many elderly and low-income homeowners. Residents of manufactured homes spend 30% more income on energy than the average American household and 66% more than owners of site-built homes. These high energy costs impose financial burdens on residents who are disproportionately low-income. In many cases, a new, more energy-efficient home could create an opportunity for financial stability and long-term wealth building.

Objectives

1. Promote an innovative model for affordable, energy-efficient housing with the potential for widespread adoption and scaling through industry channels
2. Raise awareness about energy efficiency to address the need for an affordable housing and energy solution for low-income homebuyers
3. Provide a sustainable homeownership opportunity that fosters improved quality of life for low-income households through savings from reduced energy use and better home loans

Principles and means of actions

Accelerate the adoption of new levels of energy efficiency for manufactured homes through two initiatives:

1. Demonstration of the Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Homes
2. Expansion of the SmartMH program and membership growth within the Next Step Network