May 3, 2011--As Colorado's LIHEAP stopped accepting applications April 30 until next November, the statewide non-profit Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) continues to provide energy assistance to limited income seniors and families year-round through its network of 130 assistance organizations across the state.
In total, Energy Outreach plans to distribute a record $12 million this year for energy assistance. To help vulnerable Coloradans catch up on winter heating bills, Energy Outreach last week began distributing $1.39 million in energy assistance funding through partner organizations such as Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Seniors Resource Center.
Each year in Colorado, LIHEAP administers federal energy assistance funding through the Colorado Department of Human Services from November through April. Energy Outreach, an independent non-profit, raises additional assistance funds through more than 18,000 individual, corporate and foundation donors, and then distributes this funding through its network, including LIHEAP.
"The governor's office established our organization in 1987 to provide Colorado with a buffer against cuts in federal funding for energy assistance such as we're anticipating in the coming year," said Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado. "We're fortunate that so many generous Coloradans provide support for struggling seniors and families to remain warm and safe in their homes."
EOC also administers a multi-family energy efficiency program for the Governor's Energy Office and partners with organizations such as the Denver Office of Strategic Planning, Xcel Energy, United Power, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Co., EnCana Oil and Gas, Noble Energy and the StePP Foundation for nonprofit facilities.
Source: PR Newswire
