Oregon Housing and Community Services Recognizes 50th National Weatherization Day, Helping Oregonians Save Energy and Lower Utility Costs

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) recognizes Oct. 30 as Weatherization Day in Oregon, highlighting the importance of helping households reduce energy costs, improve home safety, and maintain stable housing with a proclamation signed by Governor Kotek. As temperatures begin to drop across the state, OHCS is acknowledging the critical work of its local partners who help make homes warmer, healthier, and more affordable for Oregonians with low incomes.

Originally established in 1979, Oregon’s Weatherization Assistance Program has helped households make energy-saving improvements that reduce utility expenses and improve living conditions. Through partnerships with community action agencies and local service providers across all 36 counties, the program provides eligible households with improvements such as insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, and other energy efficiency upgrades.

“Oregon is a dynamic state because of the people and communities that call it home,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Oregonians' quality of life is impacted by high energy bills that often mean spending a significant portion of monthly income just staying comfortable and safe. Thanks to local partners, Oregon’s Weatherization Program improves health, safety, and affordability.”

Oregon’s Weatherization Assistance Program continues to serve as an important resource for households facing rising living expenses. In 2025, the program helped weatherize 1,141 homes across Oregon, with participating households saving an estimated $372 annually on energy costs.

By addressing issues such as air leaks, inadequate insulation, and inefficient heating systems, the program can help improve indoor air quality, increase comfort, and reduce exposure to unsafe temperatures, both hot and cold. These investments also help preserve Oregon’s existing housing stock, allowing more residents to remain safely in their homes.

“Our community needs homes that are energy-efficient, affordable, healthy, and safe,” said Hector Guzman, weatherization assistance program director at Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. “Weatherization makes that possible by preserving and improving the homes we already have by reducing energy use, lowering utility bills, and addressing health and safety concerns. By saving energy and helping households keep more money for other essential needs, Weatherization helps people remain in their homes with greater comfort, dignity, and stability. These benefits endure long after the work is complete, strengthening our communities for years to come.”

To learn more about Oregon’s Weatherization Assistance Program and how to apply for services, visit the OHCS website.