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Released 28 October 2009
The Salvation Army to Assist with Home Heating Needs
The Richmond Salvation Army's Family Services Department will be very busy these next few months as its home heating programs have either begun, or are on the verge of beginning.
"As the economic conditions have begun to impact individuals here in Central Virginia, The Salvation Army has seen substantial increases in requests for assistance," said Jeff Baldwin, Richmond Area Command Public Relations Director.
"Hundreds of people are trying to answer the question of how they can keep their homes warm this winter when they are struggling day in and day out just to keep their heads above water."
The numbers are staggering.
Over the last 13 months, The Salvation Army has assisted 1,236 individuals with utility assistance; an increase of 54% over the previous 13 months. These individuals represent 510 Central Virginia households.
For those facing a winter without heat, The Salvation Army offers Project WARM, EnergyShare and MetroCare.
Project WARM (Wood Association of Richmond Metro), founded by Louis Wilson in 1976, provides high quality firewood to individuals in Central Virginia who heat their homes with wood burning stoves. The Salvation Army administers the program handling the screening process and notifying the Tuckahoe and/or Richmond Jaycees after a qualifying client has been identified. The wood is then delivered to their home by the Jaycees.
For over 25 years, Dominion's EnergyShare program has been assisting Central Virginians pay their home heating bills. This program is supported by donations from numerous Dominion customers and employees as well as other partners; such as businesses, churches and civic groups.
The Salvation Army is EnergyShare's distributing and intake agency for the City of Richmond, referring clients who reside outside the city limits to partner agencies, such as Commonwealth Catholic Charities and the Department of Social Services in their county.
MetroCare, which began in 1999, is a City of Richmond endorsed program and is used by The Salvation Army to assist those individuals experiencing hardships who live in parts of Chesterfield County, Henrico County or the City of Richmond.
Funding is provided through donations of individuals, businesses and customers of the Department of Public Utilities.
Calls for assistance are taken Tuesday and Thursday mornings beginning at 8:30 a.m.
For more information, or to see if you qualify, please call (804) 225-7470.