Starkville Community Foundation Comes to the Aid of Residents Facing Rising Utility Bills
As the temperatures begin to drop, many residents in the Golden Triangle area have noticed an unwelcome spike in their utility bills. With the cold weather nudging people to turn up the heat, it’s not long before the monthly expenses start to feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the Starkville Community Foundation has stepped in to help, offering a lifeline to those struggling to keep the lights on.
Helping Hands: A Community Initiative
The Starkville Community Foundation launched a program called Helping Hands, aimed at providing financial assistance to residents of Oktibbeha County. This program is particularly focused on helping individuals pay rent or electricity bills, while also equipping them with tools to achieve greater self-sufficiency. The Finance and Outreach Chair for the foundation shared that, “It’s just a band-aid. It’s not a long-term solution, but sometimes people are one bad bill away from being evicted, so we really want to stop people from being evicted.”
How to Access Assistance
While the Starkville Community Foundation provides the funds, the program is operated from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Starkville. The administrative assistant to the pastor explained that residents in need can connect with the assistance they require. Appointments start at 10:30 a.m. on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and the first five callers can receive up to $250 to help cover their bills. However, to maximize this support, participants must attend a training session the following day, where they gain valuable insights on money-saving tips and strategies for reducing utility expenses.
Training and Support
A volunteer at Trinity plays a significant role in the program by helping organize essential items for participants. After attendees complete the training on energy saving, they are gifted a bag of groceries and other household supplies to assist them further. “After they’ve gone through about energy, they get a bag to take on the way out,” highlighting the program’s ongoing support even after financial help has been provided.
Additional Community Resources
The commitment to support doesn’t end with the Helping Hands program; Starkville Utilities has also stepped up to offer innovative programs aimed at assisting city residents with their bills. One particularly valuable service offered by Starkville Utilities is a free energy audit. “You’ll have a technical resident that comes into your place of residence and conducts a full assessment. They look at your lighting, insulation, and windows, pointing out ways to improve and enhance your home’s efficiency.”
Upcoming Energy Workshops
In an effort to educate the community on energy-saving practices, Starkville Utilities is hosting Energy Workshops aimed at empowering residents with knowledge on how to lower their utility bills and manage their energy consumption effectively.
Stay Updated
For ongoing news and updates related to community programs like these, keeping an eye on local news platforms or community bulletin boards is beneficial. The residents of Starkville are all in this together, working hand in hand to support one another and ensure no one is left in the cold.
