City of Stillwater utility bill assistance

Find help from the City of Stillwater program. It uses donations, both recurring and one time, to help low income customers pay their utility bills. In addition to the donations from the public, management as well as employees of City of Stillwater can also contribute funds to pay energy costs of qualified, low income families or those in a crisis.

All year long charitable donations are collected from the community, including the sources listed above. There tend to be higher contributions during the holiday season (as people tend to be more generous) as well as additional applications for utility bill assistance then. So while funds come and go throughout the year, all of the money is used for paying various utility as well as heating costs of struggling customers.

Assistance from City of Stillwater

Anyone can apply, provided they are lower income and/or facing a crisis (such as a shut off). Since the demand is high, and funds are limited, there are often priorities set. They include financial aid is normally given to the elderly, households with children, or disabled. COCAA Family Support Services also takes applications. Many of them struggle with, and need help paying utilities, as they live on limited and/or fixed incomes such as SSI or child support.

Donations from City of Stillwater utility program are also targeted towards individuals who would otherwise be unable to keep their electricity or heat on during challenging times.  It makes a difference in local communities that the energy provider services. All of the contributions made to the utility assistance programs are also kept local; they are not spread to other states or areas that the company does not serve.

Donations made are in effect a “Helping Hand” for a variety of emergencies. It could be a family whose home was destroyed by fire, a parent with a family to support diagnosed with a serious medical condition, the spouse of a senior who passed away, or a primary wage earner who has been laid off. Others may also be able to get some energy bill assistance from the organization.

 

 

 

 

Giving back to City of Stillwater

As has been noted, donations are key. Without contributions from the community, there would be no possibility to help a low income customer keep their power or heat on. So donate if/when possible. Every dollar makes a difference. Recurring round up services can be made as well as one-time cash contributions.

There are contributions that come from the public, employees, as well as management. In some instances the company will also “match” donations up to a certain dollar amount each year. This scales up the program and allows more customers to get help.

City of Stillwater utility assistance program donations are income tax deductible. The IRS gives tax benefits to people who decide to give back. So this makes the contribution more beneficial.

For more details on whether applying for emergency utility bill help, or to donate funds to the program, call the customer support team or Family Support Services at 405.624.2533. Or local social service agencies may also be contacted, as they have referrals too.