Oregon's REACH Program Interim Evaluation Summary

Abstract
The Oregon REACH program, administered by the Oregon Department of Housing and Community Service, is an attempt to provide an integrated system of energy services (weatherization, energy education, bill-payment assistance and solar hot water heating)and non-energy services(family assessment, budget counseling and referral to other community services) to address client needs. Focus is on residents living in contained communities such as low-income multifamily apartment complexes and manufactured or mobile home parks.

Grant Amount
$999,984 (2004 grant)

Duration
Three years: 2004 - 2007

Goals
Long-term goals include:

Decrease dependence on energy assistance
Decrease energy burden
Demonstrate best practices
Build business case for future funding
Improve other social indicators

Client Eligibility Criteria
Low-income residents living in contained communities such as multifamily apartment complexes and manufactured or mobile home parks.

Client Services
Door hangers comprised of 2 compact fluorescent lamps, a booklet with energy saving tips and an invitation to attend an energy education workshop were distributed to low-income apartment complexes and mobile home communities. The door hangers were used as outreach to identify qualifying households that wanted to participate in the project.

Energy education sessions and energy efficiency kits were provided to 283 households that were identified through the door hanger campaign.

One hundred fifty-five households are enrolled in the case management component for 6 - 12 months. These households receive bill payment assistance including arrearage forgiveness, equal payment, co-payments or combinations thereof and additional energy saving measures or appliances. The Agencies meet with case management participants monthly to track the family's progress toward stability. The family development model is used to track and evaluate family progress in several different life areas.

Weatherization services will be offered to about 200 households with case management households being prioritized.

In partnership with the Eugene Water and Electric Board, solar thermal will be installed in one local housing cooperative that serves 5 units.

Outcomes
Surveys of 82 households that received door hangers were used to determine projected energy savings of about $10.27 per year for the average family. Sixty-seven families that participated in energy education workshops will save about $90 - $101 each year on their utility bills. The average case managed household will save almost $121 per year on their utility bills. As case management continues, additional savings are expected based on installation of incentive measures and assistance with retrofitting more difficult measures.

Agencies are tracking case managed households to help families establish and meet new goals and improve family stability and health and safety conditions within their homes.

Solar thermal installation at the co-operative housing complex has encountered obstacles. Solar installations are pending resident approvals as of October 2006.

A subsequent interim report will include additional families enrolled in case management and provide as assessment of client movement towards increased stability. At the end of 2007, usage data will be collected from utilities to determine energy savings for participants. Long-term goals will be assessed and measured in the final evaluation in March of 2008.

Contact the LIHEAP Clearinghouse for the full-text interim evaluation report.

Page Last Updated: January 27, 2010