Live United | United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/8/2009
Contact: Fran Wise
609-404-4483
fwise@unitedwayac.org
 

UNITED WAY’S PROJECT WARM HEART TO HIGHLIGHT ENERGY AND SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANCE DURING EXPO

Galloway Township, NJ – A free Utility Energy Assistance Resource Expo will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. as part of United Way of Atlantic County’s Project Warm Heart. Through a partnership with local energy companies including Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas Company, the daylong expo will focus on connecting those in need with assistance programs and services that are available in our community. A number of representatives from 2-1-1 (United Way’s toll-free helpline), Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas Company, CCCS/Money Management International, AtlantiCare, NJ Shares, Atlantic Human Resources, South Jersey Legal Services and United Way of Atlantic County among others, will be on hand to provide program information and answer questions.

“The concept of the Expo is to increase the awareness in our community that there is help with energy costs this winter that may help our residents, many of whom are experiencing tough times this year, make ends meet,” said John Emge, Executive Director of United Way of Atlantic County. “Our local electric and gas companies have initiated this event as a way to put the information in the hands of those that need it. There is assistance available if one has fallen behind on their bills, or anticipates being in that position in the near future.”

Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas will be able to process energy assistance applications during the event. Individuals requesting assistance will need to provide the following to process the application*:

• Lease, property tax bill, or mortgage statement
• Recent income statements
• SSI, SSD, TANF, and GA award letters
• Affidavit of non-income if not working (this applies to all over age 18 in the household)
• Social security cards for all household members
• Current energy bills
• Cooling energy assistance requires a doctor’s note
*Individual program guidelines will apply, and eligibility criteria varies by program.

The Expo will take place in Room 411 of the Atlantic City Convention Center. It is open to the public and free of charge. The Convention Center is located at the base of the Atlantic City Expressway at One Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City. Additional information on the expo can be found at www.unitedwayac.org or by calling Fran Wise at 609-404-GIVE (4483) x23 or simply dial 2-1-1.


United Way of Atlantic County is a local, volunteer-driven, charitable organization mobilizing people and resources to meet our community’s most pressing health and human services needs. United Way is dedicated to making a positive impact on the quality of life for Atlantic County residents by supporting dozens of programs that reduce substance abuse and promote mental wellness, provide basic needs and increase self-sufficiency, support community health issues and foster safer homes and neighborhoods. Volunteers closely monitor these programs to ensure effective and efficient use of donor dollars. For more information on United Way of Atlantic County call 609-404-4483 or visit www.unitedwayac.org. If you or someone you know are in need of services dial 211.