Partnership Improves Program to Keep Utility Services on for Residents in Need
Posted on: Jan-21-2016
Having the electricity or water turned off for non-payment is a reality for many residents, but a partnership with non-profit Energy Outreach Colorado brings additional funding and easier access to Fort Collins Utilities' Payment Assistance Fund.Under the new partnership, all customer donations to the Payment Assistance Fund will be matched by Energy Outreach Colorado. Customers now can receive an increased amount of one-time, annual assistance after receiving a "past-due" notice on a utility bill rather than waiting until utility service interruption is scheduled. Energy Outreach Colorado will pay program administration fees to an expanded group of community partner agencies, making it easier for customers in need to request assistance.
To apply for assistance, customers can call Energy Outreach Colorado toll-free, 24-hours a day at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) to be connected with a community partner agency or contact one of the following agencies directly:
Larimer County Department of Human Services
970-498-7730
1501 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
May apply in person (walk-ins okay) or call to receive application to submit by email, mail or fax
Catholic Charities Larimer County
970-484-5010
460 Linden Center Dr., Fort Collins
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Must apply in person, by appointment only
La Familia/The Family Center
970-221-1615
309 Hickory St. #5, Fort Collins
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.
Must apply in person, appointment preferred
Residents can contact United Way 2-1-1 to be connected with additional community resources.
The Payment Assistance Fund has been supported entirely by customer donations since 2004 and has helped thousands of Fort Collins families, senior citizens and others in need. All donations to the Payment Assistance Fund are used to assist Utilities customers. One-time donations can be made at any time or Utilities customers can add a monthly recurring donation to their utility bill.
To donate or learn more, visit https://www.fcgov.com/paf. Donations also may be made in person at the Utilities Customer Service Office, 117 N. Mason St., over the phone at 970-212-2900 or V/TDD: 711.
Energy Outreach Colorado was established in 1989 as the only non-profit, 501(c)3 in the state that raises funds to help thousands of low-income Coloradoans afford home energy and remain warm and safe in their homes. With the help of partner assistance organizations and subcontractors across the state, Energy Outreach Colorado provides utility bill assistance, emergency home furnace repair and grants to improve the energy efficiency of non-profit and affordable housing facilities.
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Pete Iengo, Program Coordinator
- 970.221.6847
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