Kansas HeatShae utility bill help from Salvation Army
The Salvation Army and almost all utility companies in Kansas have partnered together to create the HeatShare program. The program was created to serve as a safety net for struggling households that are challenged with paying their electric, gas, and heating bills during the winter. It is intended to be a last resort for those people that have no other options available and find more details on the HeatShare program below as well as contact information. The Salvation Army in Kansas. It’s funded by private donations from utility customers, companies and community partners. A focus of HeatShare is on assisting seniors, the disabled, and people facing a medical risk if their heat were to be disconnected or if they were to run out of fuel. There can even be money to help pay for even emergency furnace needs, such as repairs.
What HeatShare covers and where it operates in Kansas
In Kansas, HeatShare support is available in areas served by Black Hills Energy and, in some communities, through partners such as Butler Rural Electric and the City of Altamont among others. These funds provide financial help for utility bills and may include referrals to other energy assistance sources, such as free home energy audits or government benefits. For Black Hills Energy areas in Kansas, the Salvation Army administered financial assistance from HeatShare is closely aligned with the utility’s customer-funded program which is Black Hills Cares. Funds are distributed through local partner agencies and learn more on Black Hills Energy programs that help with bills .
Who HeatShare helps in Kansas
HeatShare is intended for people experiencing a heating emergency due to a extreme financial challenge. The money from the Salvation Army will generally go to help typically those people with a shutoff notice, already disconnected service, or an urgent inability to pay during severe cold, winter weather. Because it is donation-funded, priority often goes to households with the highest vulnerability (such as seniors or people with disabilities) and those who have no other public benefits available. It is intended to be a helping hand for those that need temporary assistance with paying their utility bills. For those Kansas families that can prove their need and meet other income guidelines, HeatShare can serve as a safety net for those households. The program will operate across the state until those funds run out. The non-profit, working with the Kansas Salvation Army, will try to provide financial assistance one time per heating. When there is funding, and if circumstances call for it, some summer electric help may be provided too . At most one time per cooling season per qualified applicant. Note that air conditioning and cooling bill assistance is only available to those with a physicians confirmation or doctors note. They also need to be without air conditioning and be faced with the loss of a life in the home. When funding and resources are available, HeatShare grants can even help Kansas families make emergency repairs to air conditioners, furnaces, hot water heaters and other energy related equipment. While less common, some funds may also be offered for repairs to or free replacement of broken windows , heat and air conditioning retention, and also windows.
Applying and contact information
Because funds are limited (as they are all based on generosity of the community) and often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, apply promptly to HeatShare when you receive a past-due or shutoff notice. Expect to verify your identity, residency, account responsibility and current need. For example, Salvation Army application packets for Kansas utility programs ask for a photo ID, a current heating bill or disconnect notice in the applicant’s name, and proof of income for all household members. Bringing the same documentation to your HeatShare appointment will speed up review. It is administered by The Salvation Army, a full-service organization, and they help to decide who will get funds. However, anyone can apply. Ask your energy company, or the Salvation Army center near you in KS, for more information. You can also contact The Salvation Army – Kansas utility assistance line at 816-756-5392. As case workers there manage multiple utility-partner programs and can direct you appropriately. .