Charity Spotlight: Utility Assistance Charities
January 3, 2006
Video
December
8, 2005 |
For people who struggle to pay their utility bills and keep their heat and lights on, frigid wintry weather is more than just an annoyance; it presents a dangerous, sometimes life-threatening situation.
Fortunately, there are charities that help prevent people in need from having their heat and power shut off. These charities provide a vital service that helps low-income, elderly, and disabled people and families meet their basic needs. This year you may want to consider giving to one of these utility assistance charities in order to ensure that those in need do not have to suffer through another bitterly cold winter or dangerously hot summer.
Below are some highly-rated utility assistance charities featured on Charity Navigator. Donors can be confident that contributions made to these charities will be spent efficiently as these charities have low overhead and fundraising costs which allow them to use more of their resources in carrying out their mission. Consider giving to one of these charities or finding an organization with a similar mission in your community.
| Name | Program Highlights |
| $1 Energy Fund Pittsburgh, PA |
Partners with 17 utility companies across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to provide tangible aid to people in need of affording adequate and safe utilities. |
| Oregon HEAT Tualatin, OR |
Raises and coordinates resources to help low-income Oregonians meet their household energy needs and move them toward energy self-reliance. |
| The Heat and Warmth
Fund Detroit, MI |
Provides emergency energy assistance to low-income families, individuals and senior citizens throughout Michigan who are in danger of losing essential heat or electricity. |
| Energy Outreach Colorado Denver, CO |
Dedicated to efficient delivery of cost-effective energy assistance, energy
conservation and energy education for low-income households to maintain their well being and
self-sufficiency. |
Maine Sea Coast Mission |
Delivers emergency financial assistance funds for heating oil. |
| Sacred Heart Community
Service San Jose, CA |
Provides emergency financial assistance to meet emergency needs such as gas and electric bills. |
| Irving Cares, Inc. Irving, TX |
Has funding available to assist Irving residents experiencing a temporary financial crisis and needing help with utility payments. |
| Interfaith Caring Ministries League City, TX |
Assists toward the payment of utilities for emergency situations and to prevent homelessness. |
| Bishop Sullivan Center Kansas City, MO |
Helps on average each month, 185 families with rent and utility bills, totaling $25,000. |
| Crisis Assistance Ministry Charlotte, NC |
Last year, paid out nearly $5.8 million in emergency aid to more than 20,000 families. Most of the money provided was for utilities. |
| Cooperative Christian Ministry Hickory, NC |
Helps with heat and other utilities. |
| United Community Ministries Alexandria, VA |
Makes one-time loans or grants for rent, mortgage or utilities. |
| Northwest Assistance Ministries Houston, TX |
Provides financial assistance for natural gas and water. |
| Action, Inc. Gloucester, MA |
Operates a fuel assistance program. |
