Group offers energy help for Sisters

 

Last updated 3/20/2007 at Noon



NeighborImpact helps Central Oregon residents - particularly those constrained by low incomes - reduce their energy costs.

Earlier this month, Sisters Habitat for Humanity hosted a workshop with Diane Hanson, Energy Education Specialist with NeighborImpact in which she provided information and a generous collection of safety, weatherization and energy conservation products.

"We help anyone who is low income and has material needs. They do not have to own a home. We provide assistance to renters, too," said Hanson.

Many of the services and all of NeighborImpact's information are available to everyone, regardless of income level.

Last year, 369 Central Oregon households were provided assistance with emergency housing needs through NeighborImpact's assistance programs, and 5,442 people were helped to meet their utility bills through their Energy Assistance program.

"We have money to help and for some reason less people take advantage of the program here in Central Oregon than the similar program in Portland," said Hanson.

The weatherization program offered by NeighborImpact is geared toward lowering utility bills. NeighborImpact assists program participants to increase insulation and improve air infiltration rates within their homes with the goal of reducing their heating bills. The necessary insulation and other energy conservation products as well as installation for major items are all provided free of charge for qualified participants.

"There are shower heads and sink aerators that we provide. We even give them the Teflon tape so that they won't leak after they put them on," said Hanson.

Hanson explained that during the initial contact with clients, information is gathered and scored according to program guidelines. An energy conservation course has been developed for applicants.

The course provides hands-on instruction in basic weatherization and energy saving practices that individuals can readily apply in their homes. In addition to the instructional aspect of the course, NeighborImpact provides instruction, easy-to-install materials and products for those who attend the class regardless of their income level. All of this is provided free of charge to anyone who will take the time to attend the class.

"We have a window weatherization kit that you cannot even purchase in a store. It makes a huge difference and will eliminate drafts around the windows," said Hanson.

The kit includes everything that is necessary and is particularity effective in mobile homes, according to Hanson.

NeighborImpact additionally helps area residents pay their utility bills through its Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). Each winter, LIEAP assists an average of 3,200 Central Oregon households. The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NeighborImpact also provides assistance to help households prevent utility shut-offs.

"It is important to remember that the person must be past due on their utility bill for us to be able to help," said Hanson.

Although NeighborImpact uses federal funding, it is not a governmental agency. The organization is a private non-profit agency that receives funding from a combination of federal, state and local sources. It also attains grants from private foundations and donations.

For more information call 548-2380 or visit http://www.neighborimpact.org.

 

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