Is Multnomah County installing cooling units?
This spring, Multnomah County purchased 180 cooling units for certain high risk Aging, Disability and Veterans Services and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Division clients. Since June 23, 2022, Multnomah County has installed more than 92 units in clients' homes.
The Board of County Commissioners has also approved the purchase of 1,000 additional cooling units. The County has ordered these units, with the first shipment expected to arrive in August 2022.
Am I eligible for a cooling unit?
So far, cooling units are only available individuals and families receiving services through the Department of County Human Services who are identified as high risk. The County is communicating with eligible households through their case manager and/or service coordinator. These cooling units are not available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requesting a unit through the Portland Clean Energy Fund
Eligible Portlanders may access a cooling unit through the PCEF Heat Response program. Recipient must live in the City of Portland, and have an income that is 60% or less of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Distribution is prioritized for people with low incomes and who are also have two or more of the following risk factors:
- Are over 60 years of age.
- Have medical conditions that increase risk of heat-related illness.
- Are living alone.
Learn more about how to request a cooling unit.
Receiving resources through your health plan
If you are receiving services through Health Share of Oregon, you may be eligible for a cooling unit. Applying for and receiving resources can take up to a few weeks. Please call your medical provider:
- CareOregon: 503-416-4100
- Kaiser Permanente: 503-721-6435
- Legacy | PacificSource: 888-675-0350
- OHSU Health: 844-827-6572
- Providence: 503-574-7247
Multnomah County energy resources
Multnomah County Weatherization: Receive a home energy audit and qualify for home-improvement measures including:
- Ceiling, wall and floor insulation
- Furnace inspection
- Heating duct improvements
- Air sealing
- Ventilation
- Energy education
Service available to income-eligible Multnomah County residents. Must own or rent a site built or mobile home (if you are a renter, landlord’s approval is required).
Multnomah County Energy Assistance: Home energy assistance to households with low incomes. The purpose of the program is to supplement home heating and electric costs. The program is on a first-come, first-served basis.
