Special event will help replenish utility assistant fund - KCTV5
Member Center:
The funds are gone for the utility assistance program at United Services Community Action Agency.
The organization, which serves low-income residents in Jackson, Platte and Clay counties, had $1.2 million on June 1 to assist families.
But with the scorching temperatures lingering for days, the money is now gone.
Agency spokesman Clifton Campbell said the organization is receiving about 1,500 calls per day. People are being put on a waiting list, including some whose electricity has been disconnected.
"That's the reality we face today," Campbell said.
The organization suggests families call the United Way of Greater Kansas City.
Cross-lines Community Outreach Inc. in Kansas City, KS, is being flooded every Monday with applicants for utility assistance. Many unemployed and underemployed use their income to pay for groceries and are struggling to pay rent and their utility bills.
"We see a lot of people coming from temp agencies," Amy Thomas, a case manager for Cross-lines, said. "They get a couple of days work here and there."
Thomas said her organization helps about 10 families a week and turns away 80 to 90 others.
A 5K walk and run will be held on July 27 to help raise money for utility assistance at Cross-lines. The event is being called Black Out for Lights On and will be held at Livestrong Sporting Park. Click here for more information.
For more information on United Services Community Action Agency, click here.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
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