Are you or someone you know worried about how you’re going to pay those home energy bills this winter? Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at Action for Eastern Montana in Glendive, 406-377-3564.
Energy Share is a private nonprofit organization that helps Montanans who are facing financial difficulties, which may result in loss of heat or lights in their home due to circumstances beyond their control. Energy Share helps people no matter what their heat source, but the assistance is usually only once every ten years or so because the organization is truly a source of emergency funds, intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.
Energy Share helps an average of about 2,500 families per year (over 6,000 individuals) statewide. The organizational structure is unique because the applications are reviewed individually, allowing applicants to explain the difficult circumstances they are facing. The only way Energy Share can provide the individual attention it does to each application is through a cooperative effort. While all of Energy Share’s stakeholders are involved at some level, the nuts and bolts of Energy Share happens with the ten HRDCs across the state, and the volunteer Local Energy Share Committees that each HRDC coordinates. Committees across the state vary as dictated by the specific needs of the community. These Committee members donate many hours on behalf of the organizations they represent.
For more information on how to apply or how to help, visit http://www.energysharemt.com or call 1-888-779-7589. You will also see an informational donation envelope or pledge card in your November utility bill or, if you’re a member of an electric cooperative, in the Rural Montana magazine.
Reader Comments(0)