Avista Utilities Idaho Project Share utility assistance

If a customer of Avista Utilities is older, disabled, or facing a short term hardship, then assistance for paying utility bills may be provided by Project Share. This is also focused on households that are not qualified for any other programs, whether from the government (such as LIHEAP) or a local charity. More information below is available on how to either donate or to apply to energy bill help from Project Share.

The program involves many different agencies and partnerships. There are non-profits in Idaho that help administer it and businesses that donate. Other contributions come from the general public or employees of the utility company as well. The neighbors helping neighbors concept of Project Share is all inclusive and provided many people and organizations a way to give back to the less fortunate.

Using donations as part of Avista Utilities Project Share in Idaho, there may be grants available to help very low income families in a crisis pay their utility bills. The clients will need to be the elderly, senior citizens, or someone that is sick. These are the truly vulnerable customers that the program is intended to help. This Project Share service is therefore not a entitlement or public benefit that is meant to assist just anyone living in poverty.

When applying for assistance, people need to bring proof of income as well as identification of all household members. This is a resource only for customers of Avista Utilities in Idaho as well, and it is not intended to help with any energy bills for people outside of the service area. The other application criteria could change over time as well, especially throughout the year if/when the funds available from it run out.

Any funds from Avista Utilities Project Share will provide the household a little more time to deal with the underlying reason they are struggling. By assisting with a portion of the utility bill, this can help an individual that is sick keep their power on until they recover. Or a senior citizen may use the extra time to look for a more affordable home to live in, or the money may help keep their heat on and therefore warm and safe during the winter.

 

 

 

 

Avista Utilities is a one-off assistance program. The assistance is not provided month in an month out, which is what some benefits such as LIHEAP does. This means it is critical for the customer to plan accordingly.

For people looking to give back to their community, or even if they are seeking a charitable deduction for their annual income taxes, Avista Utilities Project Share provides them the means to do this. Donations to the program are accepted in any dollar amount. Someone can enroll into a round up type service when paying their monthly utility bill, or they can make a one time contribution. The money will be used to keep the heat and/or electricity on for the truly vulnerable among the community.

For more information (on either donating or applying for help), the Avista Utilities Project Share program should be used. Call the a local social service agency.