BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE: VULNERABLE OREGONIANS NEED OUR HELP

Already this winter, we have seen extreme weather conditions all across our state.  Early snowstorms, ice, and heavy rains are making the start of this season one to remember.  While I hope all of you have remained safe and warm through this, so many of our neighbors are not faring as well.

Economists report that Oregonians have made it to “full employment” status, however, so many of our neighbors are still locked in a financial crisis of rising rents and climbing costs of medicine and other vital necessities.  A recent US Federal Reserve study showed that nearly half of all Americans are not able to cover an unplanned expense of $500 using their savings.  That is probably about the same amount as an auto insurance deductible if your car recently skidded across the ice and hit something.  If you, like our clients, were on the edge of financial well-being, that expense very easily could be the breaking point.

That’s why Oregon Energy Fund is here.  Your donations protect vulnerable neighbors from having to make the choice of paying to repair their car so they can get to work or keeping current on the utility bills.  Your support of our work helps them to stay employed and their families stay warm.

As we start into what are typically the coldest months of our year, please remember that your donation to Oregon Energy Fund ensures that vulnerable Oregonians get the energy assistance they need to stay safe and healthy through tough times.

–Brian Allbritton, Executive Director

DOWNLOAD THE WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER

THE GIFT OF POWER: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Last month, following two snowfalls that effectively paralyzed Portland, a concerned Pacific Power customer who was keenly aware that it was cold outside offered to help a struggling household with their bills.  Not knowing how to go about paying someone’s utility bill herself, she called the Customer Service line of Pacific Power.

Their Customer Service representative was unable to take a donation directly, but offered to make a conference call with Oregon Energy Fund, knowing we could help.  Once the Customer Service representative was able to successfully connect this new donor to us, she and I had a wonderful conversation   The donor was very interested to learn more about how we work with our partner agencies to help those in crisis and pleased that her donation would help a family in her community receive help.

This wonderful exchange validated for me that our utility partners know they can rely on us to put their customer’s good will to good use in the communities we serve.  It was also very gratifying to be able to share with this new donor how our programs work and how we collaborate with our partners in her community.

–Marietta Doney, Deputy Director

DOWNLOAD THE WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER

OUT OF THE COLD: CHANNELING YOUR INNER SUPERHERO

I was just five years old when my parents got divorced. Due to circumstances I didn’t understand back then, both of my parents had trouble making ends meet for us three kids – my two siblings and I were constantly moving into “new” apartments in different towns while we switched schools as often as every six months.  In the midst of all that, our utilities were turned off more than once; I knew what it was like to take cold showers in the dark or worry about where my next meal was coming from.

While I was very lucky to have an extended family network with the resources to support us and help us get back on our feet during those hard times, not everybody has the luxury of that same familial support.

That is why I give 100% to my job at Oregon Energy Fund every day. I love contributing to my community and using my skills to educate people about energy deprivation and the many ways we can all help our neighbors in their time of need.   My experience has taught me that no parent should have to make the choice between paying the rent or paying utilities, and every child deserves to grow up in a warm, stable home.

Thank you for supporting Oregon Energy Fund. Because of your compassion and generosity, I get to work at my dream job, and we all get to help make our little corner of the world a better place for everyone.

–Christiane Fitzgerald, Marketing & Development Coordinator

DOWNLOAD THE WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER

We are pleased to present a review of our last year – we hope you enjoy this overview of our activities for 2016. Thank you for the important role that you have played in supporting our critical mission.

DOWNLOAD THE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT