AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci announced an initiative to help some of Maine’s most vulnerable citizens prepare for the cold winter months. “Operation Keep ME Warm” is a public-private partnership, the first of its kind that matches volunteers with Mainers who have prequalified for weatherization assistance. Volunteers will install energy conservation measures in 3,000 homes in one week. The Maine Commission for Community Service is coordinating the volunteer effort. Members of Maine’s National Guard have also been asked to participate.

Operation Keep ME Warm will rely on state resources, private donations and volunteers from National Service Programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and VISTA to install weatherization kits in homes that elect to participate.