How you can help your neighbor stay warm this winter

Press release

Are you or someone you know worried about how you’re going to pay those home energy bills this winter?

Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at HRDC in Havre, 265-6743. Energy Share is an independent nonprofit organization that helps Montanans who are facing financial difficulties which may result in loss of heat or lights in their home due to circumstances beyond their control. Energy Share helps people no matter what their heat source, but the assistance is usually only once every 10 years or so because the organization is truly a source of emergency funds, intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.

Over the last two years Energy Share helped 142 households in this area and 5,295 families statewide. Applications are reviewed individually, allowing applicants to explain the difficult circumstances they are facing.

The only way Energy Share can provide this individual attention to each application is through a cooperative effort. The nuts and bolts of Energy Share are taken care of at the 10 HRDCs across the state, and the volunteer Local Energy Share Committees that each HRDC coordinates. Committees across the state vary as dictated by the specific needs of the community. These committee members donate many hours on behalf of the organizations they represent.

Energy Share is supported by donations from individuals, small businesses, utility companies, electric cooperatives and large electric users across Montana, so people struggling with difficult circumstances don’t have to go cold.

For more information on how to apply or how to help, people can visit http://www.energysharemt.com or call 1-888-779-7589. Customers will also see an informational donation envelope or pledge card in their November utility bill or, for members of an electric cooperative, in the Rural Montana magazine.