The path towards financial empowerment starts with access to services. Cedar Valley United Way and 211 help individuals that are facing obstacles with utility assistance.
If you're struggling to meet monthly utility payments, like gas or electricity, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a home energy assistance program that could help. You should also investigate state utility assistance programs. There are a number of state-run programs that let you pay a set amount each month based on your income, no matter how high your actual bills get. Other systems will reduce your bill so you only pay a portion of the total bill. Keep in mind that eligibility for these programs usually depends on your total household income.
- Utilize 211.org: Through 211.org or by dialing 211 you can learn about utility assistance programs in your area. Including:
- LIHEAP Waterloo through Operation Threshold
- Assists with LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) applications. LIHEAP supplements the high cost of winter heating for low-income households, provides emergency furnace repairs or replacement for income-qualifying homeowners. Households with income levels at or below 175% of the federal poverty level are eligible for benefits. Applicants are served on a first-come first serve basis. The application period is from October 1 to April 30 for elderly and disabled households and November 1 through April 30 for the rest of households.
- Call (319) 291-1819 or email lgodfrey@operationthreshold.org
- Utility Payment Assistance through Eastside Ministerial Alliance (EMA)
- Provides financial assistance to persons in danger of losing utility services.
- Call (319) 235-5580 or email kharmon@emacenter.org
- Utility Payment Assistance through Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center
- Provides financial assistance to a person facing loss of utility services.
- Call (319) 234-1793 or email info@jessecosby.org
- Black Hawk County General Assistance through Black Hawk County Offices
- Provides assistance on a temporary basis for a limited time for basic needs that may include rent, lot rent, mortgage, electric, water, medications, and funeral services. Ineligible if already receiving any type of subsidized housing or an eligible Veteran. Must call Jesse Cosby (319-234-1793), Eastside Ministerial Alliance (319-235-5580) or Operation Threshold (319-291-2065) first for help as they do the intake for General Assistance.
- Call (319) 292-2261 or email kschipper@co.black-hawk.ia.us
- For an extensive list of services outside of the immediate Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, please visit www.211iowa.org, type in your zip code and select your necessary services.
- LIHEAP Waterloo through Operation Threshold