CINCINNATI – Thanks in part to Duke Energy customers, the Salvation Army HeatShare program has $310,000 available to help needy families across southwest Ohio pay their heating bills this winter.
More than 19,000 customers contributed $110,000 to the program, Duke Energy Ohio announced Tuesday. The rest came from Duke Energy and its employees.
The HeatShare program provides heating assistance from Jan. 16 to April 30, 2018, or until all funds are used. If funds are available after April 30, they may be used for cooling assistance until depleted.
In many cases, these individuals and families face disconnection of utilities and possible eviction as a result of their inability to stay current on their utility bills, according to a Duke Energy release.
People in need of assistance should call The Salvation Army HeatShare line at 513-762-5636 to schedule an appointment for the program. More information is available at the Duke Energy Ohio website.
Last year, the HeatShare program provided utility assistance to 810 families across southwest Ohio.
The Salvation Army received $100,000 from Duke Energy Ohio in addition to $210,000 in customer contributions and matching funds for the 2018 HeatShare program.
“HeatShare has been a vital program in Ohio for over 30 years, helping families and individuals in need,” said Cindy Givens, program manager at Duke Energy. “We’re delighted to partner with our customers and The Salvation Army to help ensure those in need won’t be cold this winter, especially with the single-digit temperatures we experienced earlier this month.”
Duke Energy customers in Northern Kentucky can receive WinterCare assistance and should contact their county’s Neighborhood Center or the Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission at 859-581-6607.
