Salvation Army Scranton's Utility Assistance Programs Provides Cost Relief for Families
As record-breaking heat and rising utility bills hit Scranton, The Salvation Army is offering a lifeline to struggling families through its utility assistance events, connecting them with local resources and support.
About three times a year, The Salvation Army Scranton Corps partners with utility providers such as UGI Utilities, Pennsylvania American Water, PPL Electric Utilities, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP), and others to meet with families who need financial assistance. The Corps also includes the local health department to attend these events at the Corps’ South Washington Avenue Headquarters and administer flu shots. At the last event, Captains Neil and Kirsten Childs, Corps Officers at The Salvation Army in Scranton, also coordinated with a local bank to come out and provide additional information on some of their budgeting classes to help families better manage their finances.
The Scranton Corps initiated these events in response to a surge in calls from families struggling to pay their utility bills in Fall 2022. On average, Scranton residents spend about $206 a month on utility bills. Recognizing they couldn't financially support everyone; they created these events to connect families with the necessary resources to address their needs. Captain Neil Childs has witnessed the significant impact these events have had on local families and utility companies since the first event in November 2022.
“When we first attempted this event, we had about 25 people come out; however, at the next event, we had over 98 families come through,” he said. “All of the utility companies appreciate the ability to meet with individuals face-to-face and work directly with them to understand their circumstances better and answer any questions. This level of interaction is challenging when speaking to an automated voice message over the phone.”
Utility companies have also noticed better attendance at these events compared with their independent efforts, he said. Each organization receives a table inside the local Salvation Army Corps' South Washington Avenue headquarters.
The Scranton Corps aims to hold these events three times a year in November, March, and July. Captain. Kirsten Childs expects the upcoming November event to have a large turnout as families navigate high temperatures and bills; and prepare for the coming winter months.
“For a lot of our families, summer break means increased food bills because the kids are not in school,” Childs said. “With children at home, they’re often on electronic devices, and due to the heat, they’re not going outside as much. As a result, utility bills are expected to be very high by the fall.”
Despite the expected financial strains this summer is causing, Childs is excited about the continued collaboration with utility companies and their community to assist those in need.
“We are grateful for the relationship and the community that has created with the utility vendors,” she said. “This encourages us because it shows the vendors are committed to assisting, not just collect checks. It also builds trust between them and the community.”