United Way’s 2-1-1 has joined forces with Georgia Power and a number of local organizations to pilot a new energy assistance program to help working families with children who are behind on their energy bills.
This program was created in response to the large amount of requests that were coming through United Way’s 2-1-1 for utility assistance that were going unmet. Also, other agencies that provide this service were seeing the same clients over and over again with the same situation. The goal of this program is to pair the immediate assistance with a long-term influence on people’s daily lives and spending habits, resulting in financial stability and independence in the long run.
In order to qualify for the program, participants must have a disconnection notice with Georgia Power, proof of employment and dependents living in their home. If these qualifications are met, families must attend a two-hour informational class that is held weekly at the Salvation Army Community Center. People attending the class will learn about financial management and budgeting skills, as well as energy conservation in their home.
Local bankers from partners such as BB&T, United Community Bank and First Chatham Bank have volunteered their time to teach the budgeting course. Additionally, University of Georgia has provided two instructors from their Cooperative Extension Office to cover home energy conservation.
After completing the two-hour class, participants are eligible for assistance and are given an appointment with Salvation Army or United Ministries of Savannah to receive help with their past due bill. As all these collaborative services are in-kind, the grant is used solely to help pay bills.
Other local organizations involved in this partnership include: Economic Opportunity Authority (EOA), Senior Citizens and Step Up Savannah.
Over 100 people have already participated in this pilot program.
Families can dial 2-1-1 or 912-651-7730 from a cell phone, to receive additional information.
