United Way of Central Indiana launches annual Winter Assistance Fund

INDIANAPOLIS – The cost of heating homes is expected to rise across the country this winter – a blow to those already struggling financially during the pandemic.

United Way of Central Indiana is once again administering the Winter Assistance Fund, a program that helps Marion County residents who can’t pay their heating bills, are not eligible for government energy assistance programs and don’t exceed 225% of the federal poverty guideline.

The program will run from Dec. 1 until May.

“For many struggling households, the ‘cliff effect’ is real,” said Mary Jones, senior director of basic needs initiatives at United Way. “When a family’s income increases – an important step toward stability – they may lose public benefits, making it all the more difficult to rise out of hardship.”

These are the people for whom United Way fights. And the need to help these neighbors – now facing higher bills with no federal relief – is critical this season.

United Way of Central Indiana has operated the Winter Assistance Fund since the early 1980s. The fund has given nearly $7 million in utility assistance to Hoosier households since 1996.

Last year, the program helped 236 people in 115 homes.

The fund is supported by AES, Citizens Energy Group, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and individual donors. United Way is currently encouraging tax-deductible donations to the fund to help vulnerable families in Marion County stay warm this winter.

To donate, visit give.uwci.org/winter.

Families seeking help can call 2-1-1. Applications for heating assistance are being accepted starting Dec. 1.