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DENVER –
Coloradans struggling to pay off winter heating bills will get a boost
as Energy Outreach Colorado distributes $1.25 million in additional
energy assistance funds this week.
Energy Outreach Colorado, the only non-profit in the state that raises
funds for energy assistance, contributes funds to 139 emergency
assistance sites across the state.
Jeffco Action Center in Lakewood, like most assistance agencies across
the state, had run out of energy assistance funds due to the
overwhelming need in the community it serves.
“We are grateful and relieved to have the EOC distribution come to us,”
said Mag Strittmatter, Jeffco Action Center Executive Director. “We ran
out of funding weeks ago and have had to turn away hundreds of people
who are desperately in need of the assistance. There are so many people
now who are struggling to catch up on utility bills.”
For the 2007-08 heating season, Energy Outreach Colorado’s assistance
network has increased the total amount of energy assistance distributed
by 30 percent over the previous year to $2.6 million, with the number of
bills paid increasing 15 percent to 6,881 and the average payment up 13
percent to $386.
In total, through four quarterly payments, Energy Outreach plans to
contribute at least $7.55 million this year for energy assistance. Of
that, $5.4 million will go to its assistance network and $2.15 will go
to Colorado LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program), which helps an
additional 90,000 or more households.
Colorado LEAP, which administers government energy assistance funding,
will stop accepting applications on April 30. Its next assistance season
begins November 1, 2008. Energy Outreach distributes assistance
year-round through its network of emergency assistance sites. EOC also
funds grants for energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing in
Colorado.
Additional funding is critically needed, and tax-deductible donations
can by made to Energy Outreach Colorado by going to
www.EnergyOutreach.org or calling toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP
(1-866-432-8435). Energy Outreach Colorado raises funds through
individual, corporate and foundation contributions. Many energy
companies operating in the state, including Xcel Energy and Atmos
Energy, match their customers’ donations and collect donations through
customer bills.
Coloradans in need should call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP
(1-866-432-8435) to obtain a LEAP application or to find an emergency
assistance organization near them with energy assistance funds
available.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help limited income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed about $88
million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy
Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions
and foundation grants. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by
National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from
Charity Navigator for six consecutive years and is an accredited charity
member of the Better Business Bureau. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612. |
