In the absence of assistance from the GCCAA, other agencies are mobilizing to help pay the electricity bills
GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) – As temperatures drop, some southern Mississippians have been trying to find a way to keep the heat on since funding was withdrawn from the Gulf Coast Community Action Agency’s program to help low-income families to pay their electricity bill.
Catholic Social and Community Services help all kinds of people in need. In recent days, the agency’s director, Jennifer Williams, has seen an increase in calls with a specific request.
“They’re worried about being disconnected and they’re looking for help to stay energized,” Williams said.
Last year, Williams’ group helped more than 2,000 people pay their electricity bills. She hopes that we can help even more this year.
“We receive generous grants from Mississippi Power, Coast Electric, Singing River Electric, as well as the Catholic Sharing Appeal which allows us to help people if they need it with an electricity or water bill,” he said. Williams said.
A statement from the Department of Social Services said an interim program would be in place on February 1 to respond to requests from people who have received assistance from the Gulf Coast Community Action Agency. Janice O’Keefe, executive director of The Disability Connection, said a permanent partner will be appointed this summer.
“We were also told that by this summer, by May or June, agencies like Disabilities Connection will be able to apply to be part of the solution. So that we can start helping people ourselves,” said O’Keefe.
So far, O’Keefe explained that his organization is already helping by directing people in need to the right place.
“What we’re doing is using our resource guide that we’ve developed, we call other agencies and try to connect them to places that can help them,” O’Keefe said.
Although charities like Catholic and Social Services are stepping up, aid is not designed to be a long-term solution.
“If your case is approved, we’ll look at that one electric bill,” Williams said. “We’re not necessarily going to help with six months of utility bills.”
Back Bay Mission also accepts requests for assistance on the electricity bill for one-time use per year. If you are looking for more information on how to receive help, you can contact one of the following agencies:
Catholic Social and Community Services: (228) 701-0555, (855) 847-0555 or charitéscatholiquesbiloxi.org
Mission Back Bay: (228) 432-0301
Disability connection: (228) 604-4020, (228) 870-7775 or DisabilityConnection.org
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