Central Oregon households can get free air purifiers from NeighborImpact

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- NeighborImpact is encouraging income-qualified households across Central Oregon to apply for weatherization services and free HEPA air purifiers.

These services aim to improve home comfort, energy efficiency and indoor air quality as the region prepares for wildfire season.

The program is providing HEPA air purifiers with replacement filters through a Healthy Homes Grant from the Oregon Health Authority as part of smoke-season preparedness. Eligible households can currently receive a Weatherization energy audit in as little as two weeks, which is a key initial step in identifying home improvements.

Weatherization addresses the home's structure by identifying air leakage, ventilation needs and other conditions that affect indoor air quality, energy efficiency and protection from outdoor pollutants.

NeighborImpact, a private nonprofit Community Action Agency, has served Central Oregon since 1985. The organization supports communities through programs focusing on food security, housing, energy assistance, early childhood education, child care resources, financial empowerment and emergency services.

The Weatherization program provides construction-based home improvements for income-qualified households. Services include insulation, heating- and cooling-system repair and energy education. The program has also incorporated indoor air quality education into its client materials, with a focus on summer cooling and smoke management.

Rachel Haakenson, NeighborImpact's marketing and communications director, explained the broader benefits of the program. “Weatherization is often thought of as insulation or heating-system repair, but its impact reaches much further. A well-weatherized home can support better health by improving the conditions people live in every day, while also making homes safer, more efficient and more affordable to maintain,” Haakenson said. “As smoke season approaches, this is a timely opportunity for eligible households to improve energy efficiency and take practical steps to protect indoor air quality.”

Wildfire smoke can enter homes through windows, doors, ventilation systems and small gaps in the building envelope. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, portable air cleaners and high-efficiency filtration can help reduce fine particles indoors during smoke events.

The connection between weatherization, health and indoor air quality was highlighted at a recent community presentation at Larkspur Community Center. Edwin Franco, NeighborImpact Weatherization Quality Control Inspector, focused on this topic. The event was hosted by The Environmental Center of Bend and included presenters from Deschutes County and Energize Bend, reflecting growing regional attention to home resilience, energy efficiency and smoke-season preparedness.

NeighborImpact primarily serves Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Select services are also available in additional Oregon communities.

To learn more or apply for Weatherization services, individuals can visit neighborimpact.org/weatherization or email homewx@neighborimpact.org.