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Energy Assistance a Critical Help for Trinidad Families |
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December 14,
2007 |
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TRINIDAD, Colo. – Three emergency assistance organizations serving Trinidad and Las Animas County are hoping to help as many as 160 limited income families and individuals stay safe and warm in their homes this winter, thanks to energy assistance grants from Energy Outreach Colorado. Advocates Against Domestic Assault, South Central Council of Governments and Southern Colorado AIDS Project are all recipients of energy assistance funding totaling $87,675. Last year, the three organizations helped nearly 160 households with their energy bills. Energy Outreach Colorado is the only non-profit in the state that raises funds for energy assistance through donations from individuals, utility companies and other corporations, foundations and public agencies. It distributes funds raised across the state through a network of more than 100 assistance organizations. Although natural gas prices are projected to remain level this year, low-income residents statewide will actually pay more out of pocket for their winter heating costs than ever before. That’s because funding levels for energy assistance from state and federal sources are down considerably over last year, so households will receive less assistance. “Energy assistance is particularly important in our community, where average incomes are among the lowest in the state and many people can really use a hand keeping up with their energy bills,” said City of Trinidad officials. “We urge anyone in our community who is in the position to be able to help others to make a contribution to Energy Outreach Colorado.”
To donate to Energy Outreach Colorado, or to receive help paying an
energy bill, call 303-225-5056 or go to
www.EnergyOutreach.org.
Statewide, the organization plans to distribute $5.4 million to its
network of assistance agencies and an additional $2.15 million to the
Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). It also is
providing $800,000 in grants to organizations such as South Central
Council of governments to increase the energy efficiency of affordable
housing developments. |
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