United Way of SK gives $40,000 in grants to aid utility assistance

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – One of the greatest concerns during the winter are high utility bills or not having heat at all.

However, United Way of Southern Kentucky is addressing the need by providing funding.

This will give the assistance local organizations need to ensure individuals in the community don’t suffer the cold.

Four organizations visited United Way of SK’s office to receive $10,000 in one-time grants, totaling $40,000 altogether.

The one-time grants will go towards programs that provide utility assistance to individuals living in Warren County.

The decision to provide funding was based on data collected through calls to the Southern Kentucky 2-1-1 Contact Center over the last year.

According to the data, utility assistance is the number one need for callers.

65% of those calls come from Warren County alone.

Churches United in Christ, Hope House, St. Vincent de Paul, and the BG Warren County Welfare Center were the recipients.

These four organizations provide a high level of assistance to the callers.

St. Vincent de Paul plans to use the grant to serve in two ways.

Provide heat and food for elderly individuals or anyone struggling to maintain their payments.

The $40,000 is a result of excess available funds in the category of Basic Needs in Warren County.

The United Way of SK Board of Directors voted to approve the four grants October 25th, 2018.