Due to the economic impact brought by the COVID-19 pandemic about 8,000 Greenville County households are struggling to keep up with their utility bills. Upstate residents have unpaid utility bills totaling $4 million.
The United Way Of Greenville County in collaboration with Duke Energy, Greenville Water, and Greenville County started the “Keep the Lights On” initiative. It aims to provide financial assistance to those on the brink.
“The impact of COVID-19 on employment and the ability to afford basic resources has been extreme,” said Meghan Barp, president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County. “Many of our neighbors cannot afford to keep up with past and current bills and now face the prospect of losing these vital services. With winter approaching and thousands of students relying on internet services for e-learning, it is critical that we do all we can to help.”
United Way has been awarded $1.2 million in CARES Act funding from Greenville County to support the initiative.
Community members in need of assistance with utility payments are asked to call the United Way of Greenville County Community Resource Line at 2-1-1, or 866-892-9211. In addition to the Keep the Lights On Fund, resource line operators can connect callers to other available community resources, including area food banks, rent and housing assistance, employment, transportation, healthcare, and more.
United Way is also asking the community to contribute to the cause. To donate you can click here.
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