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Energy Outreach Distributing $1.29 Million in Assistance This Week |
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April 30,
2009 |
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DENVER – Coloradans struggling to keep up with home energy bills will get a boost as Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) distributes $1.29 million in additional energy assistance funds this week. The additional funding comes as the state’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), stops accepting applications today. LEAP administers federal energy assistance funding through the Colorado Department of Human Services each year from November through April. EOC, a nonprofit created to raise additional assistance funds for Colorado, provided an additional $2.15 million to LEAP. It also distributes assistance year-round through its network of 107 emergency assistance sites. Inter-Church ARMS in Arvada, like most agencies in EOC’s network, has struggled to keep up with the overwhelming demand for services this year. “In all my years in this job, I’ve never seen clients as anxious as they are these days,” said Ivy Malden, executive director. “So many of our program clients tell us they feel they are sinking and sinking fast. Hopefully, things will turn around in the months to come. In the meantime, the EOC gift will be more important than ever before.” In total, through four quarterly payments, Energy Outreach plans to contribute at least $7.55 million this year for energy assistance. EOC also funds grants for energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofit facilities and for educational programs. Additional funding is critically needed, and tax-deductible donations can be made to Energy Outreach Colorado by going to www.EnergyOutreach.org or calling toll free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435). Coloradans needing energy assistance should also call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP for information about an assistance organization near them. 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 $100 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofit facilities, and energy education. Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions and foundation grants. It has received top ratings from Charity Navigator for seven 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. |
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