Virginia Area Fuel Fund utility programs

One of the crisis utility assistance programs available is the Virginia Area Fuel Fund. Note it only operates in the northern part of the state. It was created as a donation service that can in effect allow neighbors to help neighbors in the service territory. Like many other resources available in the state of Virginia for paying energy bills, this program is very limited both in funding as well as number of people that can be assisted.

Throughout the course of the year many customers donate money to it on either a one time or recurring,  round up type service. There are also fund raisers help by agencies in the Fuel Fund service territory, and employees from the company also contribute funds to the assistance program.

Every so many years there may also be matching grants given. This means that, based on total donation levels from throughout the year, partners that the Salvation Army works with may increase that using funds from a charitable trustee service. This will allow the Virginia Area Fuel Fund program to scale up and provide more energy bill help to families facing a crisis.

There are two main parts of this. One is the donations, and the other is the financial aid that people can apply for. More information on both of these is below.

-Donations can be made by anyone from the community. Both individuals and companies often contribute money to the Virginia Area Fuel Fund.
-Those that do participate can receive a statement each year showing what was contributed, and this can help them at tax filing time.
-All of the donations will go to emergency heating or utility bills for the most vulnerable. It is not for people living in constant poverty.

People applying to the Virginia Area Fuel Fund also need to meet all conditions. The terms will vary, and can change over time, but some of the highlights may include the following. Social service agencies as well as the Salvation Army in the region can also offer referrals to it.

 

 

-Utility assistance is for one time needs, and only a portion of a bill may be paid. Customers can't rely on this for long term support.
-The funds are targeted at families that are facing a crisis, such as medical illness, unexpected expense, death of a souse, and the like.
-Seniors take priority when applying.
-Donations are not used to provide recurring assistance. Northern Virginia families should look into LIHEAP or another service for that.

One of the main advantages of the Virginia Area Fuel Fund is that it provides short term help. This can often allow a family to keep their electricity or heat on. They then can find a longer term solution.

Then, when the crisis has passed, many of the client then give back to the program. They may be in a more stable financial situation in which they too can donate a little money to the program. This in effect allows people to pass on the generosity to someone else that may be struggling.

For more information on the Virginia Area Fuel Fund, residents of the northern part of the state should call the Salvation Army.