Shelters in Louisville and Lexington to receive $50,000 donation
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Many of us are exhausted with this winter's freezing temperatures, but it's all exhausting vital resources as well. Even though there is still a month of winter left, extreme conditions have already dried up funding for essential programs needed to serve the homeless population. Also, other vulnerable community members who need assistance are struggling to make it through the bitterly cold season. In the Louisville area alone, funds for shelters’ White Flag nights, which provide additional dollars per person to participating shelters when temperatures dip below 35 degrees, are no longer available. But while the dollars have ceased, cold temperatures and icy conditions have not, and bills to provide common necessities to those in need keep adding up.
In an effort to ease the deficit, our company is donating nearly $50,000 to a dozen shelters and day centers across the utilities’ service territory. LG&E is also donating funds to the Coalition for the Homeless in Louisville, a nonprofit advocacy organization whose members serve the needs of Louisville’s homeless population.
“From
the beginning of October 2013 through the end of December 2,700 more people
were assisted through White Flag than during the same time period in 2012,”
said Natalie Harris, executive
director of Louisville’s Coalition for the Homeless. “With that kind of increased need for
services, the relief dollars from
LG&E and KU will absolutely make it easier for the day centers and emergency
shelters throughout our community to meet the needs of the homeless population under
the current very difficult circumstances.”
The organizations receiving funding each provide emergency shelter and meals to those in need. Some also provide overnight beds and clothing assistance as well. Our donation dollars received by organizations are not paid for by the utilities’ customers.
Shelters and Day Centers receiving LG&E and KU Relief funds:
Louisville:
- Wayside Christian Mission
- Salvation Army Shelter for Families
- Volunteers of America Men's Shelter
- YMCA Safe Place
- St. Vincent de Paul
- St. John's Center for Homeless Men
- Jefferson Street Baptist Center
- Jefferson Street Baptist Community at Liberty
Lexington
- Hope Center
- Salvation Army
- Lighthouse Ministries
- Catholic Action Center
Customer Bill Help
In addition to working with area shelters, LG&E and KU are also willing to work with residential customers challenged by the cold weather’s impact on their utility bills. Residential customers anticipating difficulty paying their bills are encouraged to contact customer care representatives, who will address their individual situation. LG&E residential customers can call (502) 589-1444. KU residential customers can dial (800) 981-0600.
