Contribute to the Energy Share program

One of the key programs for Virginia residents to turn to for utility bill assistance is Energy Share. The program has been operating for years, and it provides assistance to hundreds of families every year. Energy Share is a non-profit agency that is involved in providing energy bill assistance to households across the state. The program relies heavily on donations and contributions from the community, so the non-profit is asking for the public's support for the upcoming year. Donations will more than likely be tax deductible, and the contributions you make go to assisting the less fortunate.

Past public support from generous Virginia residents has allowed the non-profit energy share organization to assist thousands of needy families over the years, and many of the beneficiaries have been children or senior citizens.

In past years, the agency raised nearly $100,000 from private donations, charities, generous families and the group also assisted qualified families in over 10 counties across Virginia. If you can contribute funds or donate, and anyone who is interested in supporting the agency and helping your neighbors can contact their local Salvation Army center. Call Energy Share at (877) 461-5719 to locate your local field representative or office.

Any donations to the agency are tax-deductible; however always check with your accountant as well for the latest government tax rules and regulations. Those generous people who want to make a tax-deductible contribution will find instructions in their winter and fall billing statements of sponsoring utilities. In areas without a sponsoring energy provider, individuals should call the Salvation Army for the latest details on how to contribute.

 

 

 

 

How the program works is as follows. After a needs assessment that is done by your local Salvation Army center is complete, the non-profit will determine who will receive energy and heating bill assistance, and this will take into account the amount of funds and donations that Energy Share of Virginia currently has. To be considered for any utility bill assistance, the agency says applicants must have exhausted all other alternative means of assistance and government resources.

In general, individuals and families in Virginia whose total household income is at or above 185 percent of the Federal government Poverty Level receive first consideration from any assistance, and priority is given to those applicants with disabilities and senior citizens.

The amount that a qualified applicant may receive will vary, and in past years it has been up to $400 per household per year. All applicants must be Virginia residents. According to previous year’s figures, the average amount of heating and utility bill assistance paid out for each qualified applicant was about $285, and your generous donations and contributions played a large part in this success.

In the current year, raising more than $100,000 and assisting over 400 Dominion Virginia families is one of the main goals of Energy Share of Virginia. The donations are accepted year round, and people can apply for assistance starting in December.

Please take into consideration that Virginia Energy Share funding is available to pay energy bills when all other resources and utility assistance programs have been exhausted. First priority goes to people who are less fortunate, including individuals and families at or above 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Special consideration, and usually the first helped, are senior citizens and the disabled. Energy Share provides for a one-time expenditure of up to $400 per household, and it goes without saying that all applicants must be Virginia residents.

Individuals interested in applying for funds from the program should contact or stop by their local Salvation Army, or call 1-866-366-4357, to find your local Salvation Army field representative.