City of Columbia utility bill donation programs

Donations from the community are used to fund the H.E.L.P and C.A.S.H. programs in Columbia. The focus of them is on low income families with children, the disabled, and/or elderly in the county. All funds raised and contributed stay in the Boone County community, and will make a difference in the lives of someone that is less fortunate.

The two main programs available in the region are as follows. There are multiple ways to contribute to them, as noted below.

Citizens Assisting Seniors and Handicapped is known as C.A.S.H. This program was created to serve as a last resort. There may be assistance for those very low income elderly and disabled citizens in the region. It is a program of last resort, meaning funds are only offered if the applicant has exhausted other resources, including both private and government aid. The elderly and disabled can often be at risk if their power is turned off, especially during the cold winter months or a hot summer stretch of weather.

The second option is H.E.L.P, or Heat Energy and Light Program. This is for qualified low income families with children. Donations raised from the Columbia Missouri region are targeted at this group. Maybe a parent recently lost their job or has a medical crisis that is impacting their ability to pay the bills. When this occurs, emergency funds may be available for the utility bills.

The City of Columbia works with Boone Electric and even non-profits on administering these resources. The Boone County Division of Human Services is also a key partner and they help administrate the program. As noted, all donations will be used only for utility customers who are approved and need assistance for their utilities. Every dollar will be put to good use.

For those that contribute, their donations will also be kept separate. Every single dollar donated will assist those in need, and the funds will go to pay utility bills during the winter or hot summers months. Money is only used when a customer is faced with emergency an emergency situation.

 

 

 

 

Money can be donated by making a contribution over the phone, or by contributing/signing up during the donation window. This is done using special envelopes that are mailed out, normally during November. There are also online forms that people can use to donate to C.A.S.H. or other programs. Note that 100% of contributions go directly to utility bill payments for persons in need and no administrative costs are paid from your donation.

Forms can be mailed to Utility Customer Services, or they can answer questions over the phone as well on the program. All donations are tax-deductible, and a once per year summary will be mailed to the donor as well.

For those that need help, applications are accepted. Assistance is only for Boone County residents that meet income guidelines and other requirements as set by Division of Human Services. All applications are reviewed and individuals will need to meet with social services specialists as well.

For more information, to apply for help, or donate, call contact City of Columbia Utility Customer Services or Boone Electric at 573-449-4181.