Copper thieves have literally pulled the plug on warmth at the Mazamas Mountaineering Center, with the long-running Portland nonprofit saying crooks stripped copper out of its heating and cooling system and left the historic hub for climbers and hikers freezing and facing nearly $40,000 in damage.
Staff realized something was wrong after a system-failure alert pinged their phones, then walked into a chilly building and scrambled to keep programs running while crews swapped out ruined HVAC equipment. The group says the new systems are now in place, but the hit to its budget is still very real, and it is trying to cover both repairs and added security on a nonprofit’s shoestring.
Repair Bills Pile Up, Fundraiser Falls Short So Far
According to KOIN, the Mazamas estimate the break-in left them with nearly $40,000 in damage, and staff said the building hovered around 50 degrees inside while the new systems were installed. The outlet reports the organization launched an online fundraiser that has brought in several thousand dollars toward replacement costs. Leaders say they are also looking at longer-term security upgrades to protect the roof-mounted equipment, which are not yet fully paid for.
One Hit In A Wider Copper Theft Wave
Per the Portland Police Bureau, investigators have been working a broader copper theft investigation since a November 2025 enforcement sweep uncovered locations used to strip and process stolen metal and estimated more than $2 million in related damage. That operation led to numerous arrests, and police say the investigation is still active as detectives review community tips and video. Authorities stress that the damage to HVAC systems and building infrastructure far exceeds the relatively small scrap value thieves get for the metal.
Neighbors And Nonprofits Take Hits, Too…