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Energy Outreach Celebrating 20 Years Providing Assistance |
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June 30,
2009 |
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DENVER – As Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) celebrates its 20th year helping maintain affordable home energy in the state, the nonprofit organization is already working to secure additional energy assistance funds for the coming winter. EOC, which was founded in June 1989, anticipates higher energy costs and lower federal and state assistance funding for 2009-10, putting at greater risk the lower-income seniors, low-wage earners and people with special needs that may not be able to afford to heat their homes this winter. “Our energy assistance funding through Colorado severance taxes was drastically cut in the last legislative session, and the current federal budget being considered for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is about 37 percent lower than this past winter,” said Skip Arnold, EOC executive director. EOC also raises funds through individual, corporate and foundation contributions, which it then distributes through emergency assistance organizations across the state. A portion of EOC funds also goes to support energy efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and non-profit facilities that typically serve the low-income population. “Even now in June, when home energy bills typically are at their lowest, our partner agencies are struggling to help households with hundreds to thousands of dollars in past-due utility bills,” Arnold added. “We’re fortunate the Colorado utility companies work with us to provide support and assistance, but many families still can’t keep up with their bills.” 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.” 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 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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