Happy Thanksgiving Fountain! As we near this important American holiday, we all have the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for the many blessings we all have. I’m so very proud to be part of our close community and thankful for the opportunity to serve with so many who are dedicated to making Fountain the All-America city where each of us know we are home. As we get ready to enjoy this season, I also think about those who may be experiencing some difficulty and may need assistance. With this in mind, I thought to us this month’s newsletter to share some information particularly about ways that residence can receive some support on their utility's bills, if they are experiencing hard times. The City of Fountain participates in and supports several programs designed to help provide some relief:
The Lighten the Load (LTL) utility assistance program is only offered through the Salvation Army, but there’s a federal utility assistance program, Energy Outreach Colorado, or EOC, that’s also offered through them, as well as other agencies such as Discover Goodwill and Mercy’s Gate.
Lighten the Load is funded by the City of Fountain, along with private donations, and a Fountain resident qualifies if they have an overdue balance, haven’t utilized the program in the previous 12 months, haven’t been disconnected for non-payment more than 5 times in the previous 12 months, and has made a regular payment in the last 60 days. It does not cover closed accounts, fees, deposits, and does not cover Budget Billing accounts except during the true up month. More information on Lighten the Load can be found at: Lighten the Load - City of Fountain. Fountain residents can also donate to the program if they would like. Those interested can contact the Utilities Department and they can guide you through the process.
The Federal utility assistance program, EOC, has a different set of qualifying criteria, including financial, but if funds are available, it has a higher assistance threshold of up to $1,000.00 vs. a maximum of $500.00 for the LTL program.
With both programs, it’s the assistance agency that makes the decision on whether they can assist, and to what extent. Information on the EOC program can be found here: Energy Outreach Colorado
https://EnergyOutreach.org.
Listed below are the contact numbers and programs offered by various local agencies to help:
Assistance Agencies:
Salvation Army of Fountain Valley 719-382-1182 (closed Tue and Thurs, but are on location and will open the doors if someone shows up at the door) 208 Cunningham Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80911 (LTL & EOC Partner)
Discover Goodwill 719-635-4483 or 888-775-5327 option “7” (EOC)
Mercy’s Gate 719-277-7470 (EOC and private funds)
Crossfire Ministries 719-640-7442 (private funds)
Peak Vista 719-632-5700 www.peakvista.org
Pikes Peak Christian Church 719-392-9061(private funds)
United Way 211 or local Pikes Peak United Way 719-632-1543
LEAP (Heat only Oct-Apr) 719-442-0007
Military Specific:
Army Relief 719-526-4783
Home Front Cares 719-577-7417
Although they usually require an in-person appointment, they may be able to accept applications on-line or via e-mail, so the recommendation is to call and have them explain the options.
Please, if you need some assistance, don’t wait! Contact our Utilities Department or these agencies and get help early, before you get to the point that your utilities are being shut off.
I hope this information may be helpful to you or a neighbor. Again, I wish you all a peaceful and happiest Thanksgiving!