Launching Nov. 1: Program to assist Marion County residents with heating bills

INDIANAPOLIS – The Winter Assistance Fund, an annual program aimed at helping Marion County residents pay their heating bills, will open for the season Nov. 1.  

The program comes at a time when families are feeling the pinch of inflation and winter utility costs are once again expected to rise nationwide. On top of that, many are still recovering from the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic.  

“Some families are still rebounding from previous losses,” said Lydia Watson, community impact manager for United Way.  

The program is open to Marion County residents who earn too much to qualify for government energy assistance programs and whose income is up to 225% of the federal poverty guideline.  

For a one-person household, that’s an annual income of roughly $30,600. For a four-person family, that’s about $62,500.  

By taking care of heating bills, the program gives people more wiggle room to pay for other basic needs, such as groceries, Watson said.  

United Way is encouraging people who think they may qualify to apply by contacting one of the sites listed at uwci.org/waf. The program runs through May.  

Last year’s program assisted 269 people in 126 homes. United Way is hoping to triple the number of households served this year.  

United Way has operated the fund since the early 1980s. The program has given nearly $7 million in utility assistance since 1996. 

The fund is supported by AES, Citizens Energy Group, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and individual donors. To contribute to the fund, visit give.uwci.org/winter.