Nonprofits offer assistance to help with burden of high utility costs

JACKSON, Tenn. — As temperatures soar into the 90s, utility bills could head into the hundreds.

Local nonprofits say they already are seeing an increase in the amount of residents asking for assistance to cover the high costs.

“We are in dire need of more money so we can help with people’s utilities, rent, and we can help with food,” Major Jayne May with the Salvation Army said.

The Salvation Army offers community service programs year-round, including help to qualifying residents in six counties including Chester, Henderson and Gibson with utilities on a once-yearly basis.

“If we help you with your utility bill today, you would need to wait another year before you receive help from us,” Major May said. “Our hope is we’d like to help you get a leg up.”

The Salvation Army is currently taking donations of new box fans to be passed out next month. The nonprofit, located at 125 Allen Avenue, hopes to pass out at least 100 fans to qualifying elderly residents and those with medical heat sensitivity, “so they don’t have a heat stroke and get so uncomfortable or get sick,” Major May said.

For residents in Jackson-Madison County, Area Relief Ministries, located at 108 South Church Street, will accept applications for utility assistance every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Click here to see a checklist of required documentation for the interview.

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News asked some local power providers what the policy is for disconnecting services if bills are too far behind.

Gibson Electric Membership Corporation said they do not disconnect service for any members if the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning.