News

Featured CBO – North Hills Community Outreach

July 25th, 2016

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Our featured Community-Based Organization (CBO) this month is North Hills Community Outreach. North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) has been a longtime partner of Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program. The organization addresses the needs of people living in crisis, hardship and poverty.

Last year, NHCO assisted 4,099 families by providing over $1.5 million in funds, goods and services. Their programs include emergency help with rent and utility payments; emergency financial help; disaster relief; three food pantries and an organic garden; seasonal sharing projects for help with school supplies, coats, Thanksgiving food and holiday gifts; education assistance; Community Auto (a low-income car ownership program); Ask The Attorney; WorkAble employment program; budget coaching; a family development program; In Service of Seniors (volunteer assistance); and two Free Rides for Seniors shuttles.

At Dollar Energy Fund, we understand that utility assistance is often not the only need of a household. Our approach in partnering with community organizations pairs those seeking assistance with additional resources that can help lift them out of their current financial situation and on to a path of self-sufficiency.

NHCO is an authorized CBO for Dollar Energy Fund, which means the organization has the tools to assist a household with a Hardship Program grant application and offer many other resources. Once the application is complete, NHCO will submit the application to Dollar Energy Fund for approval. If you would like to learn more about our grant application process, click here.

NHCO helped 296 families receive Dollar Energy Fund grants last year. One of those families includes Tina, a single mother from Hampton. She had gotten behind on her bills when her hours were cut at work. She applied for a Dollar Energy Fund grant at NHCO’s Allison Park location with the assistance of a service coordinator. Tina was eventually approved for a $500 grant towards her Peoples Gas bill. The grant stopped a termination of her service and she was able to enroll in Peoples CAP to help her going forward.

After getting the news, Tina replied, “Thank you again. I just opened the mail and screamed with excitement… For as much as you and the foundation has helped my small family, we would love the chance to give back in some way.”

Like Dollar Energy Fund, NHCO relies on the generosity and support of individuals, businesses, foundations, government entities, religious organizations, schools and civic groups to help them carry out their mission of serving those in need. Aside from monetary donations, the organization also accepts a wide variety of in-kind help and volunteer opportunities. If you want more information on how you can help NHCO, click here.

You can also join the thousands of utility customers who help their neighbors in need by checking the box on your monthly bill and contributing $1 or more to Dollar Energy Fund’s Hardship Program.

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Your contribution directly supports an individual or family facing a utility crisis.

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