CenterPoint Energy Good Neighbor Fuel Fund assistance.

Anyone in the CenterPoint Energy  service territory can make a donation to the assistance program known as Good Neighbor Fuel Fund. The company created this in an effort to help low income families with their utility bills and keeping their power on. There is a focus on homes with seniors, a disabled person, or young child living in it.

The only way this program operates is from contributions. So the company or its partners use the money contributed in an effort to assist income qualified customers. It is in effect Lending a Helping Hand to the less fortunate. While the funding levels will vary from year to year, there are usually hundreds of customers that receive some form of assistance from CenterPoint Energy Good Neighbor Fuel Fund. It operates throughout the course of the year.

Donations come from private individuals, businesses, and even fund raisers that are held by non-profit organizations across Arkansas. They can be one time contributions, or some people will choose to contribute to P Good Neighbor Fuel Fund on a recurring monthly basis. Only people from the local community will be able to receive help with their bills from it, so it is run locally. In many cases employees from CenterPoint Energy will also donate, or the company will offer matching cash grants to those who do in fact contribute.

If someone does decide to donate, it is often tax deductible. So when someone decides to contribute in an effort to provide assistance for a low income customer, the tax credit will help them offset some of that cost. So benefits to people who donate range from helping a struggling family to also tax advantages.

When seeking assistance for utilities, a strict application process is in place. This will also bring comfort to people who are donating in that they will know their funds are being used wisely. CenterPoint Energy will only provide assistance to qualified low income customers that are facing a crisis situation. Or they need to have a senior or some other at risk person living in their home.

 

 

Any type of financial aid from Good Neighbor Fuel Fund is very limited. There will only be funds to pay a portion of an energy bill. The customer will still need to pay the balance. Also, the application process is strict. It will require proof of income, assets, and a self-sufficiency plan to be in place from the applicant.

A priority from CenterPoint Energy is on helping Arkansas customers faced with a onetime financial hardship. If someone needs longer term support, then they can be referred to their social service office. ood Neighbor Fuel Fund is not meant to offer this form of long term assistance for utility bills.

Another focus is on people that are elderly, have a medical condition, or young children in Arkansas. It is more important for these individuals to keep their electric service on, and donations will be targeted towards them.

For more information on Good Neighbor Fuel Fund, CeterPoint can be reached at 501-682-8715. People can learn about this or other programs available.