All Posts - Page 4 of 12 - Oregon Energy Fund

Oregon Teen Raises COVID-19 Awareness, Supports OEF

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Will Preston - 2020 Annual Report, News

In March 2020, as the first US outbreaks of COVID-19 began, Lake Oswego high schooler Claire Fennell watched as confusion and arguments about social distancing broke out around the nation. Worried that misinformation could make the pandemic worse, Claire decided to start a virtual campaign to promote public awareness. She called it the #SixFeetTogether campaign.

Starting with a simple graphic, Claire branched out to design stickers and masks, which she sold online to raise money for COVID-19 relief. That’s when she first found out about the Oregon Energy Fund.

“There’s a lot of talk around supporting healthcare, housing instability, and food pantries,” Claire says, “but not nearly as much discussion about energy insecurity. Nationally, 25 million households reported having to make tradeoffs between food, healthcare, and utilities. And that was before the pandemic!” She points out how energy insecurity can make it harder for laid–off workers to find new employment, as energy “is essential for things like hygiene and job searching online.”

Since May, the #SixFeetTogether campaign has sold over 100 products and donated the proceeds to OEF’s COVID-19 relief fund, raising awareness of the need and helping OEF ensure our pandemic-impacted neighbors can keep the lights and heat on. Thank you, Claire!

Donate To Oregon Energy Fund

Voices of Oregon Energy Fund

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Will Preston - 2020 Annual Report, News

“Oregon Energy Fund is my favorite charity to give to. I went through a time in my life when I was financially unable to deal with my bills…I went without heat for a year. Oregon Energy Fund saw me through those lean times. It was a godsend. And I realized giving back was really important. You were the first charity I donated to when I was able. It meant that much to me, my life, and how I’ve turned out.” – Michelle, OEF donor & former client

“Since COVID-19,I’m taking care of my grandchildren, which has impacted me greatly financially. I am now learning of new resources, like Oregon Energy Fund. Thank you and bless organizations like you.” – Christine, OEF recipient

“Thank you for doing this for those in need. I’m very grateful for the help I got when I needed it most.” – Jan, OEF donor

“Deborah lost her job due to COVID-19, and had to stay home to help care for her mom, who is disabled and immuno-compromised. They had no income for weeks, and took a long time to get approved for unemployment. She eventually received several UI checks, but used them immediately to pay back rent.” OEF made up the difference and helped Deborah catch up on her past-due energy bills. – St. Vincent de Paul, OEF partner

“You have made managing and surviving through our current crises possible. Your kind spirit and incredible concern for my family has been encouraging and uplifting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Oregon Energy Fund client

Ensuring access to warmth and light is critical for the health, safety, and dignity of all Oregonians. As my own home has become a school and an office these last few months, I’m reminded on a daily basis that Oregon Energy Fund’s mission remains as relevant today as when I first joined the board. This year has taught us the importance of working together to support our communities, and OEF has been right there with us: powering homes, powering lives.” – Adam Lowney, OEF Board of Directors

Donate To Oregon Energy Fund

Oregon Energy Fund’s 2020 Virtual Power Gala is October 17!

Posted on September 21, 2020 by Will Preston - Event

Pre-show at 5:30 PM | Program begins at 6:00 PM

That’s right…we’re going virtual!

You’re invited to Oregon Energy Fund’s annual celebration of powering lives — right in the comfort of your own home! This year’s gala may be online, but we’re taking the opportunity to give it an extra jolt of fun. Plug in to our event livestream on October 17 for live music by the Smut City Jellyroll Society, an interactive costume contest, a home mixology lesson, inspiring stories from clients and partners, and more!

Registration for this year’s gala is free, so click here to RSVP or make a donation! All proceeds will support OEF’s mission to assist Oregonians in financial crisis with their energy bills in support of household stability.

We’re also proud to partner with Devil’s Food Catering to offer a variety of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and cocktail mixes for the evening. Locally sourced and prepared, our menu lets you enjoy a delicious, stylish meal during the event while directly supporting Portland small businesses. Orders are available for curbside pick-up and limited delivery and must be placed no later than October 14. See our event menu here.

More details at OregonEnergyFund.org/VirtualGala.

Hosted by Joe Vithayathil of KPTV FOX 12
and Misty Marquam of Marquam Auction Agency

Back To School: Oregon Energy Fund Launches First Year of the Student Program

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Will Preston - Fall 2020 Newsletter, News

As Oregonians prepare for a school year unlike any other, we here at Oregon Energy Fund are excited to launch our very first Year of the Student program: a collaboration with KairosPDX, a K-5 public charter school in NE Portland. Modeled after our successful Senior Discount Pilot Program, this project will provide monthly payments to help students and their families cover their energy bills for the next year.

1 in 5 families with children nationwide struggle to pay their bills annually. Yet the impact on learning has gone largely unaddressed. The stress can cause students to have difficulty concentrating and completing schoolwork. Many experience hunger and illness as families cut back on food or medicine to pay the bills, making them tired and more likely to miss class.

Our new Student Discount Program will address this problem by providing $20 in credit to qualifying KairosPDX families each month, paid directly to their utility accounts. By reducing the amount of income spent on energy, families will have more money in their budgets for food and other basic needs at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet.

And in a year when many students will be attending school virtually, it’s essential to ensure families can keep their lights on, laptops charged, and meals prepared.

KairosPDX uses a multi-generational, multicultural approach to provide high-quality education to historically underserved children in the Portland community. Staff members will help families register for the program, eliminating the need to contact an outside agency or keep track of documents.

“In light of COVID-19, we’ve seen an increase in demand for basic needs such as food and technological access,” said Andrew Ayala, KairosPDX Development and Policy Specialist. “By providing recurring energy assistance to the most vulnerable members of our learning community, we can help build the foundation our children and families need to weather the coming economic downturn.”

We’re excited to partner with KairosPDX for this groundbreaking project. We look forward to sharing more stories and finding new ways to ensure the continued success of Oregon students!

Donate To Oregon Energy Fund

What Do I Do When the Power Goes Out?

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Will Preston - News, Uncategorized

Many Oregonians rarely experience unplanned power outages, thanks to mild weather and a robust utility grid. However, this means that when the electricity goes out during a particularly nasty storm or areas are disconnected to protect against wildfires, it can be hard to know what to do. Here are a few tips to keep your home and your family safe during a temporary power outage.

DO: Use flashlights and battery-powered appliances to see

Keep multiple flashlights or battery-powered camp lights in strategic places around the house, so you can easily find one in the dark. Check regularly to make sure the batteries still work and replace them if not.

DON’T: Use candles or indoor generators

Who doesn’t love a cozy, candlelit room? The fire department, that’s who. While they might seem like a romantic way to get through a power outage, candles cause thousands of home fires each year and dozens of fatalities. The risk of fire is particularly severe if your power has been disconnected due to high wildfire risk. However, the danger exists year-round; the highest number of candle-related fires each year is at Christmas.

Similarly, using a generator indoors can result in severe and even fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. If you own a generator, follow safety protocols by only operating it outdoors and 15 feet away from any structures.

DON’T: Use the flashlight app on your phone

The flashlight app on your phone can be helpful in a pinch, but the powerful light will quickly drain your battery. Using actual flashlights will help extend your phone life, which is important for checking for updates from your utility company or contacting emergency services. If you can afford it, consider purchasing an external battery charger for your phone in the event of a lengthy outage.

DO: Have an outage kit of hats, blankets, and batteries

An unplanned power outage can mean that your home rapidly loses its temperature. This can be particularly uncomfortable in the winter or during a cold snap. Ensure you and your family can stay warm by having a pre-stocked, easily accessible outage kit with hats, blankets, and extra batteries. Check the Portland General Electric or Pacific Power websites to see their recommended outage kits.

DO: Stock up on water and canned food (and a can opener!)

Preparing meals without electric appliances like the stove or a microwave can be more than a little challenging. When you put your outage kit together, be sure to include a variety of non-perishable food, such as canned beans and vegetables, granola bars, and peanut butter, along with plenty of bottled water. Don’t forget to toss in a spare can opener!

DO: Unplug your electronics

There’s always the possibility of a power surge when the lights finally come back on. Protect your appliances and electronics by unplugging them right away.

DO: Contact your utility company

Reporting a power outage to your utility provider can help them understand the extent of the outage, identify the source, and restore power efficiently. If your power is out, call the company or report the outage on their website or app. (We recommend programming the number into your phone in case you aren’t able to access the internet.) Many utilities also provide real-time outage maps, and allow you to sign up to receive text updates.

DON’T: Call 911

You should only call 911 in the case of an emergency. Do not call to report a power outage or a downed power line.

Oregon utility providers are often able to restore power promptly in the event of an outage. However, if it is unsafe to remain in your home, especially because of temperature concerns, call 211 or visit 211info.org to find a cooling or warming center near you.

Oregon Energy Fund Assists With COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Will Preston - News, Summer 2020 Newsletter

Oregon Energy Fund Assists With COVID-19 Relief Efforts

None of us expected 2020 to go this way.

As the year began, we were planning grants, new partnerships, a month of events at the Oregon Public House. Instead, we were hit with the coronavirus pandemic — and, as unemployment rose, an urgent spike in the need for energy assistance.

We’ve all seen how severely the pandemic has jeopardized the ability to pay basic expenses, from rent to groceries. Utility bills have caused just as much anxiety. One national study found that two-thirds of Americans who have lost their jobs are very or somewhat concerned about their bills, with 26% saying they would have to skip a gas or electric payment.

The situation is unprecedented. But when the call for help comes, we answer. Pivoting to these urgent challenges, we and our partners adapted our policies and systems to help struggling families receive assistance safely and quickly, including applications by phone and email. We also decided to release our next round of funding at the end of summer, nearly three months early.

Most importantly, we saw our supporters — people just like you — rise to the challenge of helping our neighbors in need. We’ve received hundreds of individuals donations, along with grants from CareOregon, United Way of Lane County, and the Flanigan Family Foundation.

In just three months, we raised more than $60,000 to help Oregonians impacted by COVID-19 pay their energy bills — a truly inspiring show of support in these difficult times. And since March, we’ve provided emergency to funds to more than 750 people and 300 families.

We’ve also received two generous contributions from the Pacific Power Foundation and the Meyer Memorial Trust to help cover our staff and admin costs. This ensure our own stability and allows our donors’ gifts to help those who need it most.

But this is far from over. Even as the lockdowns ease, the need for energy assistance will reach heights we have never seen. It will take all of us working together to map the road to recovery.

And so we say: thank you to those who have supported us so far. To those who need help, we’re here for you. And to those who are able, please join us in this vital work, and give today for a brighter tomorrow.

Donate To Oregon Energy Fund