With 41 percent of local households in or near poverty, it’s easy for many families to get behind on their utility bills – a reality that’s dangerous when frosty weather sets in.

Fortunately, people can get help in several ways, including through United Way partners and funded programs.

If you’re behind, the first step is to call your utility provider. The last thing a utility company wants to do is shut off service to a customer. That’s why most have programs to help eligible people address their past-due bills and avoid a shut-off.

For example, Consumers Energy offers several assistance programs for its customers. A key one is the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy, or CARE. Funded through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, CARE provides a monthly credit, assistance with past-due balance and help with energy efficiency improvements. Click here for details or call (844) 220-6098 for help with your application.

CARE is offering walk-in help with applications on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at New Level Sports Christian Center, 400 W. Michigan Ave., in Battle Creek, co-hosted by Woman’s Co-op and Community Fatherhood. Find out more about the event at this link. A second event is set for Tuesday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan, 420 Alcott St., in Kalamazoo.

Another vital resource is 2-1-1. By dialing 2-1-1, or visiting their website, you can find out your options to address your utility bills plus learn about programs to help with deliverable fuels or other needs you might have. Gryphon Place, which manages 2-1-1 service in our region, is a United Way funded partner.

Other United Way partners in our region that can help with utility bills:
Kalamazoo County Community Action Agency
Calhoun County Community Action Agency
The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo
Portage Community Center
South County Community Services

Finally, these organizations, while not United Way funded, also provide utility assistance: Michigan Department of Health & Human Services’ State Emergency Relief Funds; The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW); and TrueNorth Community Services’ emPower program.

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