HeatShare is a utility assistance program administered through The
Salvation Army with assistance available throughout Kansas. HeatShare acts as a safety net for households who need a helping hand with their utility bill and can show a provable need. HeatShare assistance is available until funding is exhausted.
HeatShare raises private dollars to provide energy assistance. The elderly and disabled are given priority where funds are limited. In addition HeatShare provides assistance to low income households and also to those who may never have asked for assistance before but because of unexpected expenses such as a birth or death in the family, find themselves unable to pay. HeatShare assistance provides payments toward both heating and air conditioning bills and can go toward electricity, natural gas, propane, fuel oil or wood bills. Where sufficient funds are available, HeatShare grants are available to make emergency repairs to furnaces, air conditioners, hot water heaters and other energy related equipment. Assistance may also be available for repairs to broken windows and doors for better heat and air conditioning retention.
The program acts as a "safety net" to the citizens of Kansas, thus
relieving some strain on existing programs supported by the already
overburdened taxpayer. HeatShare is in line with legislation allowing utility companies to implement a fuel fund at no cost to the public.
HeatShare began in 1993 in the state of Kansas through a partnership with People's Natural Gas, now UtiliCorp United/Energy One, headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Since that time three additional utility companies have joined with HeatShare. They are WestPlains Energy, Butler Rural Electric and the City of Altamont, Kansas. Throughout Kansas, individual contributions, creative fund raiser, and Fifth Sunday Church Offerings raise very special funds for HeatShare assistance to those who need help.
HeatShare is also available in Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri and South Dakota.
Who supports HeatShare?
Your neighbors, friends, people in big cities, people in small towns and businesses all help with HeatShare.
You can help you friends and neighbors in Kansas, too, by sending a tax deductible contribution to: HEATSHARE, Kansas and Western Missouri Divisional Headquarters, 3637 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. Or you can donate by completing the secure form at this link to make a credit card contribution. HeatShare is one way a small amount can help in a big way.
How can HeatShare help?
HeatShare works by providing financial assistance, counseling, and
referrals to other utility funding sources when a household shows they are unable to make their monthly utility bill payment. Where sufficient funds are available, financial assistance may be provided one time per heating and one time per cooling season. Air conditioning assistance is available only to those with a physicians confirmation without air conditioning a life in the home would be threatened.
Call 1-800-336-4547 if you have
any questions or comments
