When is cold too cold?
For some of our energy assistance clients who have had their utilities shut off, there is no escaping the cold – or the stigma of having to ask for assistance. Fortunately, there is help available from The Salvation Army and Energy Assistance Services.
This vital program provides a much-needed lifeline to assist households who have fallen behind on their utility payments. In and of itself, a utility shut-off notice is serious matter. However, it could be a symptom of other underlying challenges such as unemployment, a medical crisis or impending homelessness due to insufficient financial resources. Contrary to a typical band-aid approach of simply catching-up delinquent accounts, The Salvation Army utilizes short-term case management to identify the underlying conditions which created the original need. Through the case management model, applicants are offered a bill payment system, enrollment in an energy company subsidy program, with the goal of establishing household financial stability.
If you or someone you know is in need of help to either prevent a utility shut off or to reestablish utility service, apply online: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/ If you are unable to apply online, contact your local Salvation Army location. If you need energy assistance after hours please contact United Way 2-1-1 at 1-800-887-1107 or online: https://211.org
If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s Energy Assistance program in your community, please contact your local Salvation Army location or donate online: https://donate.sawmni.org/give/170718/#!/donation/checkout
As the coordinator for Energy Assistance Services, Geoff Bierbower assists individuals and families who have a a past-due utility notice or are facing a shut-off of their utilities. Listen to Geoff describe his passion of serving others in their time of need: https://www.facebook.com/SAKentCounty/videos/629691024443089/