United Way 2-1-1 Helps Residents Beat the Heat

UNITED WAY 2-1-1 SERVICE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST RESIDENTS

WITH HIGHER UTILITY COSTS DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS

United Way also helping to make electric fans available for residents struggling to cool their homes.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. It's the hottest week of the summer. More Greater Chattanooga residents are calling for help to deal with the sweltering temperatures and, for some, out of control utility costs.
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People have been seeking relief from the heat in different ways. Some sit in the shade, others go inside and run the air conditioning.

Running the air isn't an option for everyone.?Keeping your home cool during these hot summer days may mean higher energy bills. If funds are tight, turning on the air can cause financial strain for many residents.

At the United Way 2-1-1 call center, operators say they have had calls from residents in need of electric fans and about 80 calls for utility bill assistance this month.

?We suspect that calls for utility bill assistance may peak next month when the bills for this month are mailed out to residents,? said Renee Eldridge, United Way 2-1-1 operator. ?We want residents to know that they may call 2-1-1 to qualify for help with their bills if the energy costs are more than they can financially manage.

United Way 2-1-1 has been referring callers to local churches and agencies that have funds available to assist with high energy bills. Additionally, they are encouraging volunteers to donate fans to the local Salvation Army who is distributing fans to needy residents during the heat wave.

Ridgedale Baptist Church donated $500 to United Way to purchase fans for those who are struggling to cool their homes. United Way has partnered with ACE Hardware in Chattanooga who has ordered fans at their cost and will deliver the fans to Salvation Army early next week for distribution to needy residents in Greater Chattanooga.

Operators say you don't have to be on public assistance to get help with your utilities or to receive a fan, but you must demonstrate a definite need. United Way 2-1-1 can be reached by simply dialing 211 or 265-8000.