Small actions add up to big impact in a little town. Reedsport, Oregon, population 4300, is home to a remarkable and unique tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. Since 2006, an annual coalition of church volunteers, service organizations, local businesses and individuals has provided labor and materials for home repairs for low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners.

In a county with an unemployment rate of 17.6%, in a town where one person in five is over 65, many homeowners struggle to meet their monthly food and medication costs. Home repair and efficiency take a back seat to day-to-day needs. This caring community has stepped up to fix 54 homes with painting, construction and landscaping projects.

This year, the Christmas in July committee expanded the focus of home repairs to energy efficiency. Seven homes are undergoing energy audits to identify repairs that can decrease energy expenditures. While Green Effect monies will be awarded after Christmas in July this year, this coalition is as sustainable as the effects it produces. We will incorporate as many of the energy audit suggestions as possible with our current funding, and replace single-pane windows with energy-efficient windows for both mobile and stick-built homes with Green Effect funds by next year’s Christmas in July. These efforts educate and inspire homeowners (and volunteers!) to pursue further improvements.

We appreciate the opportunity to teach our community about energy savings, improve the planet a little, and show the nation what a community can accomplish bit by bit with cooperation, kindness and sustainability.