With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides money saving services to Central Oregon residents. Since the inception of the federal weatherization program in 1976, more than 6.7 million homes have been weatherized across the nation. The NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides permanent solutions to reduce the energy burden on low-income families by installing cost-effective, energy-efficient materials and services.
More than 140 homes have been weatherized by NeighborImpact in the past year alone, including that of Central Oregon Resident, Frances Barber who said, “The experience (with NeighborImpact) was wonderful. What was done to my home is a blessing as it is warmer in the winter. I am tickled that there is a service provided like this for the ones that cannot afford to do the things the weatherization program does.”
As the cold weather approaches, most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These families pay 14% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared with only 3% for other non low-income families. Unable to pay big balances or hefty reconnection fees, some families are considering how they will survive this winter without heat.
Barber had a roof leak, an inefficient refrigerator, and limited financial resources to address these issues in addition to her daily expenses. NeighborImpact’s weatherization program provided her with a new refrigerator and addressed the roof leak as part of a comprehensive improvement plan for her residence. Now Barber doesn’t worry about food spoiling or water damage in her home due to a leaky roof. In addition, she has had a total savings of $180.00 on her utility bill in the six months since her home was weatherized.
Each year, October is designated as National Energy Awareness Month and October 30 is recognized as Weatherization Day. The Department of Energy uses the onset of winter to promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and new technology use in the energy industry. With the high costs of fuel oil and natural gas, a successful conservation program like the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program makes a noticeable impact to local residents.
About NeighborImpact
Since 1985, NeighborImpact has been a leader in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County. It offers a diversity of services meeting basic human needs for food and shelter, while enriching people’s lives by providing access to increased education, skills, and hope for the future. NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit organization that receives federal, state and local funding; foundation grants; and donations from individuals and businesses in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact please visit www.neighborimpact.org.
