The HSC funds a range of human service programs that allow its non-profit partners to meet the needs of the community when and where it exists. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the HSC’s financial support goes directly to helping people in crisis and preventing homelessness. In calendar year 2008, the programs funded by the HSC helped 73,806 individuals in 58,114 households receive assistance to improve their lives. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the households currently participating in funded programs live in poverty or extreme poverty with a household income at or below the Federal Poverty Level.
Housing Assistance and Human Services The HSC wholly or partially funds numerous human and housing services and programs in Lane County. A complete list of agencies and programs served between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008, including the number of households served by each and a summary of the program purpose and outcomes, can be found in Appendix J.
Energy and Conservation The HSC also supports programs that provide energy assistance, energy conservation education, financial assistance, and home weatherization to low-income households to lower their utility cost burden and energy usage, reduce arrearages on their accounts, and prevent shut offs. These programs are as follows:
LIEAP - Low Income Energy Assistance Program: this program provides financial assistance to low-income households (below 60% of area median income) for utility bills. The program is seasonal, and winter services are available as early as funding allows. REACH - Residential Energy Assistance Challenge: in conjunction with the Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County, this program offers help to low-income renters and homeowners (including mobile homes) who purchase power from participating utility companies in weatherization audit and weatherization measures, energy conservation education, case management, and limited bill paying assistance for people needing weatherization. ECCP/EWEB - Customer Care Plus: this program provides energy education and a kit of energy saving devices to EWEB customers with incomes below 60% of area median income. ECCP also includes bill assistance, weatherization, case management and referral to other community resources. Weatherization Program: this program, provided by the Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County, assesses homes for weatherization needs, installs insulation and windows, and seals heating ducts to income-qualified renters and home owners (including mobile homes).
Veterans The Veterans Administration (VA) office serves the approximate 38,000 veterans, their dependents, and survivors in Lane County, which amounts to 80,000 to 100,000 potential recipients of VA benefits. Some of the duties of this office are to:
Advocate for veterans, their dependents, and survivors; Assist veterans filing service-connected disability claims; Assist veterans filing non-service connected disability claims;
Eugene-Springfield 2010 Consolidated Plan
Anti-Poverty
85