Multnomah County is piloting a Wood Burning Device Exchange Program. Department of County Human Services (DCHS) seeks to qualify suppliers to provide removal of existing heat systems and replace them with new, more efficient systems. To meet this need, DCHS is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to create a network of qualified suppliers who may be selected by program participants or the County to complete the work. The Program will provide financial incentives to homeowners (renters eligible with homeowner approval) to voluntarily replace old, inefficient, and highly polluting wood stoves or wood inserts with cleaner and more efficient home heating devices. Incentive amounts will vary depending on the location of the residence and the household income, as well as whether wood is the primary heat source for the home, with some households qualifying for the full replacement cost. The program is being piloted across a 30 month period, funded at $500,000 of State allocated American Rescue Plan funding. It is a partnership between the Multnomah County Office of Sustainability, Multnomah County Health Department Environmental Health, and Multnomah County Department of County Human Services Youth and Family Services Division’s Weatherization Program.
