Maine 'Community Builds' Help Keep the Cold Winter Air Out

Volunteer-driven WindowDressers program provides insulating window inserts to save energy and build community

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The WindowDressers program in Maine and other northern New England states brings together volunteers to build and install insulating window inserts that help keep homes warmer in the winter and reduce heating costs. The community-driven model has grown from a small church project to a regional effort that has produced over 78,600 inserts, saving millions of gallons of heating fuel and tons of carbon emissions. The program aims to make the inserts affordable, especially for low-income households, through fundraising and partnerships.

Why it matters

The WindowDressers program demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can provide practical solutions to improve home energy efficiency and comfort, while also strengthening local ties. In rural areas with many older homes, the inserts can make a significant difference in heating costs and emissions. The program's focus on affordability and volunteer engagement also aligns with broader efforts to address energy poverty and build more resilient communities.

The details

The WindowDressers inserts are custom-made with pine frames, two layers of plastic sheeting, and a compressible foam gasket. Volunteers measure windows, cut frames, and assemble the inserts during multi-day 'community builds' held in locations like schools, churches, and American Legion halls. The inserts are then delivered to customers, who can often install them the same day. Since 2010, the program has grown from 26 inserts made for a single church to over 78,600 inserts produced across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, preventing millions of gallons of heating fuel use and tons of carbon emissions.

  • The WindowDressers program began in 2010 at a church in Rockland, Maine.
  • In 2011, the program expanded to produce 185 inserts, and then 1,231 inserts the following year.
  • As of 2024, over 78,600 inserts have been measured, built, and installed through the program.

The players

WindowDressers Inc.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that coordinates the community-driven window insert program across northern New England.

Richard Cadwgan

A church member in Rockland, Maine who started the WindowDressers program by building 26 window inserts as a Christmas gift for his church in 2010.

Frank Munro

The former congregation president of the Rockland, Maine church who helped expand the WindowDressers program in its early years.

Donald de Voil

The WindowDressers program manager for Vermont and western New Hampshire.

Jessica Williams

The executive director of WindowDressers.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, a weatherization-based organization is interested in helping people save money on their heating bills, save energy use, and live more comfortably in their home in winter. But I think that the model we use is very intentional in its desire to strengthen communities and build those community ties.”

— Donald de Voil, WindowDressers program manager for Vermont and western New Hampshire

“I love the builds and getting together, meeting new people. What's so cool is somebody comes in and says, 'Okay, well I signed up, but what do I do?' And, you know, after three hours, they're acting like pros doing it and excited about it and telling their friends. One of the best things is the build itself. It brings people together who would never see each other otherwise.”

— Jim Salsgiver, Volunteer organizer for local WindowDressers build

What’s next

WindowDressers is planning to expand its pilot program into Massachusetts, identifying 4-5 communities in the northwest part of the state to bring the community-driven window insert model to. The organization is also exploring opportunities to bring the program to other regions beyond northern New England, though they want to ensure they have the production capacity to meet any increased demand.

The takeaway

The WindowDressers program demonstrates how community-based initiatives can provide practical solutions to improve home energy efficiency and comfort, while also strengthening local ties and addressing energy poverty. The volunteer-driven model has grown from a small church project to a regional effort that has produced tens of thousands of insulating window inserts, saving millions of gallons of heating fuel and tons of carbon emissions.