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Energy Outreach Providing More Funds for Energy Safety |
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August 3,
2009 |
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DENVER – As Coloradans enjoy the last weeks of summer, Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is providing an additional $1.04 million this week to emergency assistance sites across the state to help struggling families keep up with energy bills so as to remain safe in their homes. “Hot summer temperatures can be life-threatening for seniors, families with young children and people with special needs who may not be able to keep up with their energy bills or escape the heat by going to an air-conditioned shopping mall or swimming pool,” said Skip Arnold, executive director for Energy Outreach, a statewide non-profit agency that raises money for low-income energy assistance. Physician Chris Colwell, associate director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Denver Health, suggested concerned citizens check on elderly relatives, friends, neighbors or others who may have difficulty escaping the heat. “In the emergency department, we see tragic cases where nobody realized that someone wasn’t able to get out of the heat,” he said. EOC is distributing the additional funding to 131 assistance organizations at a point when most of them have run out of energy assistance funds after helping low-income households catch up from the previous heating season. In total, Energy Outreach is contributing $7.55 million in energy assistance this year as well as $800,000 in grants to increase the energy efficiency of affordable housing and nonprofit facilities. To contribute to Energy Outreach Colorado, or to apply for assistance, call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or go to www.EnergyOutreach.org. 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 more than $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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