Pictured: Tommie Thompson is happy to receive help on her gas bill at the Atmos Blitz gas bill-paying event. The arctic blast made many people’s gas bills double.
Atmos Energy recently announced they donated $75,000 to distribute to older adult customers who need help paying their natural gas bills and past-due debt.
The Senior Source team took immediate action and scheduled an event to distribute the funds. Ultimately, the nonprofit organization served over 500 seniors at a “Bill Pay Blitz” at its office on Wednesday, February 21. Clients from every corner of Dallas County brought the necessary documents to show needs and account balances.
Tommie Thompson, a Dallas senior who attended the Atmos Bill Pay Blitz, commented about how much the event would help her. Tommie said, “After the freeze [in February], my bill jumped up to over $200. When you’re used to something between $73 and $93, to get something that is over $200 is a shock. And when you’re on a fixed income, those types of things impact you, really. It was just a blessing to even see this, that they were doing this today. I’m grateful.”
The long line of people wrapped around the building was a clear sign that the need was great, and, unfortunately, it’s not going away any time soon. Nationwide, more than 9.6 million adults over age 50 spend more than half their income on housing, reducing their ability to pay for basic needs like utilities, food, healthcare, and save for retirement.
In addition to receiving assistance on their gas bill, older adults received bags of food from Any Step Community Services, whose mission is to support older adult households with essential items to live a healthy and dignified life.
Sydney Portilla-Diggs, Executive Director of Any Step Community Services shared, “We were so proud to serve these older adults and provide them with the dignity and respect that we all deserve – at any age.”
Atmos Energy representatives were also present to distribute weatherization kits with nine helpful items, including weather stripping and caulk, a 60-watt LED bulb, and multiple water-saving devices.
According to Atmos Energy Manager of Public Affairs Nira McNealy, “We realize it takes significant resources to support the elderly, people with disabilities, and families experiencing financial hardship with the funds they need to enjoy reliable and affordable natural gas throughout the year. Partnering with The Senior Source through our Share The Warmth program allows us to provide immediate and easy access to funding.”
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps qualifying Dallas County residents with low income afford their electric and gas bills, increasing energy efficiency and keeping homes comfortable for seniors on an ongoing basis. Eligibility is based on your past 30-day income.
