Blog Stories HOME OWNER RESOURCE GUIDE!

HOME OWNER RESOURCE GUIDE!

By Jessica Ward, April 4, 2024

Welcome to the ultimate homeowner resource guide—a beacon of insight and empowerment for those seeking to enrich their homes and communities. In this digital age, where information overload is the norm, finding reliable resources can be daunting. Fear not! This meticulously curated, ever evolving guide provides a wealth of knowledge to address vital aspects of homeownership: financial assistance for utilities, green/renewable energy education and preservation, community engagement, and home improvement. I promise to keep this guide updated as a living body of home ownership resources.

Are you searching for ways to lighten the burden of utility bills while embracing sustainable practices? Look no further. This guide offers a roadmap to navigate the realm of financial assistance for utilities, ensuring you maximize savings while minimizing environmental impact.

Moreover, understanding the importance of community engagement in fostering a thriving neighborhood. Explore where to go so you can become an active participant in community initiatives, from neighborhood clean-ups to energy-saving campaigns, and make a tangible difference where it matters most.

Lastly, unleash your inner DIY enthusiast with our home improvement resources, workshops, and materials. Whether you’re revamping your living space or embarking on a renovation project, this resource guide equips you with the tools and inspiration needed to turn your house into a dream home.

Together, let’s unlock the full potential of homeownership and create a brighter, more sustainable future for ourselves and our communities.

City of Portland Water Bureau:

  1. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the City of Portland Water Bureau may offer services related to water leak detection and lead testing. However, please note that specific programs and services may change over time, so it’s essential to check the latest information on the official website or contact the Water Bureau directly for the most up-to-date details. Here’s a general guide based on common services provided by water utilities:

    City of Portland Water Bureau:

    1. Water Leak Detection:
      • Online Resources:
        • Visit the Portland Water Bureau’s website for information on detecting and reporting water leaks.
        • Look for online guides or FAQs that provide tips on identifying and addressing water leaks on your property.
      • Customer Service:
        • Contact the Water Bureau’s customer service line at 503-823-7770 for assistance with suspected water leaks on your property.
        • Report any noticeable changes in water pressure, unusually high water bills, or visible leaks promptly.
    2. Lead Testing:
      • Lead in Drinking Water:
        • Find information on the presence of lead in drinking water on the official website.
        • Learn about potential sources of lead contamination and how to minimize exposure.
      • Water Testing Services:
        • Inquire about lead testing services provided by the Water Bureau.
        • Obtain information on how to collect and submit water samples for lead testing.
      • Water Quality Reports:
        • Review annual water quality reports published by the Water Bureau, which may include information on lead levels in the water supply.
      • Water Quality Hotline:
        • If you have specific concerns or questions about lead in your water, contact the Water Quality Hotline at 503-823-7525
  2. Billing and Payment Assistance:
    • Learn about billing options, payment assistance programs, and water bill discounts.
  3. Water Conservation:
    • Find tips on water conservation and information on free water-saving devices.

African American Alliance Power to the People Program:

  2. Community Engagement:
    • Get involved in community events and initiatives aimed at empowering African American homeowners.

Hacienda CDC:

  1. Housing Counseling:
    • Receive assistance with home buying, foreclosure prevention, and financial education.
  2. Homeownership Programs:
    • Explore programs and workshops tailored to support homeowners in the Hispanic community.

NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center):

  1. Homeownership Services:
    • Access resources and programs for Native American individuals and families interested in homeownership.
  2. Cultural Connections:
    • Engage in cultural events and workshops that celebrate Native American heritage and community.

ReBuilding Center:

  1. Home Improvement Materials:
    • Find affordable reclaimed building materials and attend workshops on sustainable home improvement.
  2. DIY Workshops:
    • Learn practical skills for home maintenance, repair, and renovation.

Community Energy Project:

  1. Energy Efficiency Programs:
    • Explore resources for making your home more energy-efficient, including weatherization and home energy assessments.
  2. Low-Income Assistance:
    • Find information on programs that assist low-income households with energy-related needs.

The Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that works to help Oregon residential, business, and nonprofit utility customers use less energy, save on energy costs, and move to renewable resources. Here are some general areas where you can find information and resources from the Energy Trust of Oregon:

  1. Energy Efficiency Programs:
    • Explore residential, business, and nonprofit energy efficiency programs offered by the Energy Trust. These programs may include incentives and technical assistance for improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
  2. Renewable Energy:
    • Learn about programs and incentives for adopting renewable energy sources such as solar power. The Energy Trust supports renewable energy projects and provides resources to help customers transition to cleaner energy sources.
  3. Rebates and Incentives:
    • Check for available rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, appliances, and installations. The Energy Trust often offers financial incentives to encourage energy-saving measures.
  4. Trade Ally Network:
    • The Energy Trust works with a network of trade allies, including contractors, to implement energy-saving measures. You can find information on qualified contractors and service providers through the Energy Trust’s Trade Ally Network.
  5. Home Energy Reviews:
    • Explore tools and resources for conducting home energy reviews to identify opportunities for energy savings in your home.

Pacific Power Bill Assistance:

  1. Low-Income Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP):
    • LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income households to help with energy bills, including electricity.
  2. Oregon Energy Assistance Program:
    • This program, specific to Oregon, may offer assistance to eligible residents for heating and cooling costs, including electricity.
  3. Energy Trust of Oregon:
    • The Energy Trust of Oregon may offer various energy efficiency and bill assistance programs. Check their website or contact them directly for details.
  4. Budget Billing:
    • Some utility companies, including Pacific Power, offer budget billing programs that allow customers to pay a consistent amount each month, making it easier to budget for energy costs.
  5. Crisis Assistance:
    • Some utility companies have crisis assistance programs for customers facing unexpected financial hardships. Contact Pacific Power to inquire about crisis assistance options.

How to Inquire:

  1. Pacific Power Customer Service:
    • Contact Pacific Power directly through their customer service line to inquire about available bill discount programs, energy assistance, or payment plans.
  2. Online Account Access:
    • Log in to your Pacific Power online account, if available, to explore any billing assistance options or programs specific to your account.

Other Resources:

  1. Portland General Electric (PGE):
    • Access energy-saving tips, rebates, and assistance programs.
  2. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality:
    • Find information on environmental programs, including air and water quality.

Remember to check the respective websites of these organizations for the most up-to-date information and to inquire about specific programs that may benefit your individual needs.

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

My life is fueled by a profound passion for serving others and making a positive impact on my community.

https://youtu.be/x1kSQm5UdQo?si=Wam5-ZRcj3VTRn_g I’m a Great NW native and— five years into this industry—a broker known for delivering results while making people feel genuinely taken care of. I grew up in Portland and Southwest Washington, and I know this market—its neighborhoods, culture, pricing nuances, and opportunities. That lived understanding informs every recommendation I make. I’m inclusive of all people, price points and committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, respected, and fully themselves. I’m a mother to my daughter, Wynter Katie, and a dog mom to a very cute Yorkshire terrier, which keeps me grounded in real life and real perspective.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the Gorge, wine tasting in the Willamette Valley, dining at local restaurants, hosting social gatherings, perusing an art gallery, flowing through hot yoga, drinking a good hazy IPA at a brewery, listening to an audiobook or podcast, attending a networking event, chaperoning my daughters field trips. boating on the river, or unwinding at local spas and bathhouses.

I stay deeply connected to my community through volunteering and board participation. I’m especially passionate about children’s needs—particularly those involved in the foster care system—climate impact and sustainability, justice and equity for people of color, and mental health advocacy.

My clients consistently rate their experience with me five stars, whether they are buying selling or simply attending one of the first time home buying classes I host for free to educate and empower the community. I’ve been called the “queen of resources and connections,” and I take that seriously. I’m known for navigating down payment assistance programs, grants, ADUs, seller financing, and non-traditional paths to ownership with ease and clarity. Think polished expertise with a side of “I got you.” Access is power. Education is leverage. And I believe everyone deserves both. I’m also a real estate investor who manages my own properties, including an ADU, so my guidance is grounded in lived experience. I understand long-term value, cash flow, development potential, and creative strategy—not just on paper, but in practice. As a black woman in real estate, I lead with excellence and purpose in an industry where representation is still very rare. I’m honored to be the first African American broker in Oregon state history to close a transaction with a Black-owned title and escrow company, but my greatest accomplishment is impact—helping clients secure stability, build wealth, and step confidently into ownership. I run a tight ship—transparent, strategic, and supportive—but don’t get it twisted, we’ll laugh too. I bring luxury-level service without the stiffness. Professional polish with real and genuine personality. To me, real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about security, freedom, and community. And when you work with me, you’re not just closing a deal… you’re building something bigger. Follow along: @Jessica_TheHomeGirl

What Clients Are Saying:

Clients consistently share that working with me feels:

  • Supportive and steady, even in high-pressure moments

  • Clear and transparent, with no unanswered questions

  • Strategic and informed, particularly during negotiations

  • Personal, never transactional

First-time buyers say they felt educated and empowered. Sellers value my pricing insight and communication. Investors trust my numbers, perspective, and long-term thinking. Five stars—because the experience is intentional!

Affiliations and Accolades:

  • ADU Specialist
  • Earth Advantage Certified
  • Portland NAACP (Member)
  • LRR Diversity Chair Award Winner
  • Lents Neighborhood Association (Former President)
  • Youth Rights and Justice (Board Member & Sponsor)
  • Asian Real Estate Association of America (Member)
  • National Association of Real Estate Brokers (Member)
  • Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors (Member)
  • Broker Advisory Group at Living Room Realty (2024-2026)
 
Read More
  • T: 971-230-8164
  • jessicaw@livingroomre.com

Jessica Ward

Broker | ADU Specialist | OR & WA

She/Her

T 971-230-8164

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