SCRANTON, Pa. — Representatives from utility companies and area organizations set up shop inside the Salvation Army in Scranton.
Captain Kirsten Childs of the Salvation Army Scranton Citadel Corps says this is the fourth utility assistance program they've held to bring all the resources to one place.
This event gives people a chance to seek help paying their utility bills.
“Those who are facing shutoff notices who have never had a shutoff before, what they need to do, and it's a place and time for community.”
Captain Childs says there's been an increase in the number of people attending these events.
Some of the people who came were hoping they'd qualify for some help.
“I'm hoping to get at least a little discount on our utility bills. I don't expect them to pay for everything, but if we can get some sort of a break, anything is helpful.”
A woman we spoke with says her bills have skyrocketed and worries about what will happen if those bills don't get paid.
“We all chip in and combine, and I still try to find out about a lot of resources. I don't know about a lot of resources around here, so I take what I can get.”
Many of the people seeking help note that inflation is the biggest reason why they are seeking help.
“The raises that we're getting in our social security don't come anywhere near what the cost of living is.”
Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assitance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications.
There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:
- Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
- On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.