The United Way of Bruce Grey's Utility Assistance Program has already doled out almost $105,000 to over 355 people.
The program received 266 requests for help since July.
United Way Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says the last two winters really impacted the ability for residents to catch up on their bills in the summer.
“The program used to slow down over the summer,” admits Dobbyn. “But the last two winters, one really long, the last really cold, has impacted people’s ability to catch up on their utility bills in the summer.”
She says restricted funds from utility companies allow access only for their customers, and that used to be enough. But she says they now need unrestricted funds to keep people connected to all forms of utility.
“These are the exceptions, families without any other resource who have exhausted other supports and without the United Way stepping in, would be disconnected from their utilities” explains Dobbyn
Additional funds paid:
- Westario Power – ten customers – $3 ,52.68 paid
- Union Gas – eight customers – $2,465.23
- Hydro One – 15 customers – $6,677.95 paid
- For the 2014-15 Utility Program the United Way provided $260,579 in support to 579 requests.
- Already this year, they've distributed 40 per cent of that.
