[Press Release] : Donations requested for dwindling utility assistance funds

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Geni Alexander, Public Information Specialist, Columbia/Boone
County Department of Public Health and Human Services - (573) 874-7632
or gaalexan at GoColumbiaMo.com 

Donations requested for dwindling utility assistance funds

COLUMBIA, MO (November 6, 2008) - The Office of Community Services
continues to receive hundreds of calls each month from people requesting
assistance through the CASH and HELP utility assistance programs. These
programs help low-income seniors, the disabled and families with
children pay their utility bills. Funding for these programs comes
entirely from customer donations and has been running out within the
first few days of the month, which means a large number of people are
turned away.

Due to the significant number of people needing assistance, utility
customers are being asked to donate more than they usually would to the
CASH and HELP programs. Both the city of Columbia and Boone Electric are
sending out donation slips with the November utility bill return
envelope. All donations go directly to helping those in need and are tax
deductible. For more information about donating to the CASH or HELP
programs, please call the city of Columbia at 874-7380 and Boone
Electric at 449-4181.

According to Rebecca Roesslet, social services supervisor at the Office
of Community Services, an average of 750 households call each month
requesting assistance.

“Right now, we’re only able to help about 90 Boone County families
each month”, she said. 

Roesslet feels that the slumping economy, rising utility rates and cuts
to social service programs have forced many people to ask for utility
assistance. Roesslet appreciates the generosity of utility customers,
but reminds residents that “there are more people who need help."

"Any extra amount people can give would be truly appreciated by our
neighbors here in Boone County.” 

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