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Bonamici Helps Deliver $87.7 Million to Oregon Families to Assist with Home Energy Costs

January 7, 2022

Funds will help families with heating, utilities, and energy repair costs

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) announced the delivery of $87.7 million to Oregon through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the American Rescue Plan and the state's annual funding allocation. LIHEAP provides grants to state agencies to help low-income families manage costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, and minor energy-related home repairs.

"Making sure Oregonians can stay safe in their homes must be a priority during the ongoing pandemic," said Congresswoman Bonamici. "Since 2020, I have been calling for increased LIHEAP funding so no one has to decide between paying their energy bills or buying food and medication. This injection of federal funds will more than double Oregon's typical annual funding and allow more households to receive support with their heating and utility bills."

"One of the hardest parts of our jobs at CAT is when we hear from someone who needs help but there are no more funds available. That is too often the case with heating assistance," said Dan Brown, Executive Director of Community Action Team, Inc in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties. "We appreciate Congresswoman Bonamici's advocacy for additional LIHEAP funding. With these new resources, we will be able to help many more seniors and families stay warm this winter."

More than 90 percent of households receiving LIHEAP include at least one person with a disability, a child under 18, a veteran, or a senior citizen. A new report from the White House outlines how Congresswoman Bonamici and her colleagues delivered more than double the typical annual investment to help Oregon families afford energy costs. As Oregonians continue to experience the effects of the COVID pandemic and omicron surge, this critical assistance will help families, seniors, and other vulnerable Oregonians afford the costs of staying warm this winter.

Families who need assistance should contact the Oregon Energy and Weatherization Office.

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