CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center

Utility Assistance

LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP is a program designed to help income eligible households meet the rising costs of home energy. Participants who qualify receive a one-time benefit toward their account at the utility company (gas, electric or both). Emergency assistance may be available if a household is already disconnected from either the gas or electricity.

LIHEAP makes a difference:

Joe's* wife was dying from cancer and their electricity was about to be disconnected. They made an emergency application for the program and were assisted. This year, when I saw Joe he told me that his wife had died in May. He was consumed with sadness, and her death was obviously still very fresh for him – five months later. He had not been able to work and had bill upon bill to deal with. His services were disconnected this year when he came to me to apply. Again, we made an emergency application. Typically, after a client has received the service, I do not hear from them. Joe called me, however, and left a message. He said that he knew that I was very busy and I didn’t have to return his call, but he didn’t want to go without thanking me for helping him get his electricity turned back on. He had no obligation to call me, but he was so grateful for the service that was provided that he wanted to express his gratitude.

Weatherization Program

CEDA Northwest's Weatherization Program is designed to assist homeowners in reducing energy costs by cutting heat loss in the home. An initial assessment of the house is made to determine the necessary work, and an inspection is made after the work has been completed. The program offers the following services: sealing cracks with weather-stripping and caulk, insulating attics and walls, repairing windows and doors, cleaning, repairing or replacing the furnace.