FROM WASHINGTON D.C. TO OREGON NEIGHBORHOODS

Over the past weeks, you have likely heard discussions about the federal budget. Our friends at Meals on Wheels, for example, have gotten a lot of attention in both local and national media.

Closer to our own mission, however, is a proposed cut on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the national social services program for utility bill payment assistance.

LIHEAP is funded each year by Congress. While similar in scope to our work at Oregon Energy Fund, LIHEAP is a benefit program for the chronically poor; our own focus, on the other hand, is supporting those in financial crisis – those that just need a little help so that they can continue to stand up on their own.

Cuts to LIHEAP will not directly affect the operations of Oregon Energy Fund, since we are not funded by government dollars. Nevertheless, budget cuts of this magnitude would unquestionably increase the need for our funds, as an estimated 60,000 households statewide would be affected and Oregon Energy Fund would be one of the few resources remaining to lend a hand.

Regardless of where you find yourself on the spectrum of politics these days, we want our supporters to know that the money you send to us goes directly to your neighbors in need and will continue to do so. One of the foundations of our longstanding history is the value we place on neighbors helping neighbors – community members supporting their own. Why? Because it’s the Oregon way. And this is why your donation matters even more today than perhaps ever before. It’s why our work to ensure that Oregonians in crisis can remain healthy, warm, and housed must continue.

Thank you for your support.

–Brian Allbritton, Executive Director

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NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE IMPOSSIBLE DECISIONS

What does it take to push a financially vulnerable household into a crisis situation?

What if your car slides out of control on ice on your way to work and is rendered undrivable; can you wait to repair it? What if your child receives a debilitating medical diagnosis; will it wait until you can save the money? Knowing that you also need to purchase groceries, pay the rent and the electric bill, how would you make these decisions?

1 out of 8 Oregonians risk the potential of suddenly having to make these kinds of tough choices. That is why Oregon Energy Fund has been helping individuals and families in crisis for 30-years. We provide energy and utility assistance to hardworking Oregonians who are facing unexpected financial hardship. Unlike state and federal funds with rigid guidelines, our criteria for assistance can help those who would otherwise have to go without – our funds are flexible when the need is not. With your continued support, Oregon Energy Fund is working to ensure that your neighbors receive what they need, when they need it most.

–Marietta Doney, Deputy Director

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GIVE LOCAL – POWER LOCAL

We are beyond thrilled to announce our first official bill “round up” in the state! West Oregon Electric Cooperative, serving over 1,200 square miles of rugged, rural terrain, has generously partnered with Oregon Energy Fund to offer support in the form of charitable giving options on their customer bills. Co-Op members will have the opportunity to “round up” their bill, as well as giving one-time and recurring contributions. These dollars and cents will provide unprecedented support to our neighbors in western Oregon, helping to power the very livelihoods of individuals and families, and ensuring that those within their own communities remain healthy and housed in times of crisis. The Power of Giving: Powering Lives.

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IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE…

Salvador Molly’s turned up the heat this past February with its support of Oregon Energy Fund during the 20th Anniversary of their Great Balls of Fire Challenge! From theToughest Tongue Kick- Off Contest to the celebratory Crowning of the King of Heat, the event invited hundreds of Oregonians to test their tastebuds as they consumed smoking platters of spicy habanero fritters – a dollar from each benefiting the OEF mission. A notable highlight, the ever-popular Utility Challenge, pitted Pacific Power & PGE employees against one another, with Pacific Power taking the win after consuming 85 habanero balls! Interested in hosting your own DIY version of the Great Balls of Fire challenge for a good cause? Contact Ann at ann@oregonenergyfund.org.

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ON THE ROAD IN 2017…

Oregon Energy Fund team members and statewide advocates are kicking off a 2017 Road Show! We will be travelling across the state, meeting with community leaders and business partners to discuss the role of energy & utility assistance in Oregon. Our very first stop will be in Bend, OR. From there, we look forward to travelling from desert to mountains and coast to rolling hills as we traverse our beautiful state to learn more about issues facing our community members, discuss solutions with potential partners, and pave the road to powering the lives of all Oregonians.

Want us to stop by?? We are looking to connect with a diverse group of civic ambassadors across the state. Reach out and tell us about your community! Email us at info@oregonenergyfund.org or call us directly at (971) 386-2124 to connect.

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