Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Community Energy Project

Patch talks to the Community Energy Project about the important work it does to keep Portland environmentally responsible.

Patch: Tell Patch a little bit about your organization!

Community Energy Project: CEP provides free workshops on DIY weatherization and lead poisoning prevention, as well as in-home repairs and weatherization for low-income seniors and people with disabilities in Portland.

Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the Portland community?

Community Energy Project: We work with under served populations to reduce their energy consumption (and bills!), to prevent lead poisoning, and to stay mobile in their homes. We know that our clients are intelligent and capable, they are simply have barriers to achieving safety and efficiency. Technical information, limited mobility, limited English, low literacy, etc. won't get in the way of achieving a safe and efficient home!

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Patch: When did you open?

Community Energy Project: We were originally a VISTA project in 1979.

Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Community Energy Project: Like most nonprofits: Funding. Funding limits us geographically and with the programs we're able to provide.

Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Community Energy Project: My hope is for CEP to grow and be a stronger voice for under served communities, to plug people into some of the exciting movements we're a part of, and for our organization to be taken seriously as a player in the energy world.

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Photo By: Sherrie Smith