FLORENCE-Project Help is a Florence Utilities assistance program in partnership with the Help Center located at 621 S Court Street, Florence. The partnership provides an easy way for concerned citizens to help provide warmth and light to those in need. Many people of Lauderdale County will face dark days this year without help. Small donations paired with community support could greatly improve their situation. Florence Mayor Betterton emphasized, “I am proud of our partnership and the Help Center for their dedication to helping our community.”
By adding a small donation to their monthly utility bill, citizens can help provide utility assistance for the
Andy Betterton
elderly, disabled, and those who have a fixed income or no income at all. Florence Utilities serves only as the collection service for this fund. Every dollar given to Project Help will go through the Help Center to those in need. No contributions collected will be used to pay workers or subsidize any other expenses. “COVID 19 has placed an increased burden on citizens in every aspect of their lives. It has also increased the need for assistance with basic needs such as housing, food, and utilities,” shared Sandie Preedom, Florence Utilities Customer Service Manager. “It is easy for customers to donate small amounts through their monthly utility bill to the Help Center. All donations go directly to assist people in this community. Customers will be receiving a flyer in their bill this month with a signature form that can be returned with their payment. The Project Help donation will be added to the customer’s utility bill each month. This is a great way to help fellow citizens during such a difficult time. We look forward to growing and continuing our partnership with the Help Center.”
Project Help provides monetary assistance up to $100 for utility costs on final bill notices. Assistance is on a first-call basis (per household, per year). This program is only possible through donations. The Help Center Board President Cindy Young explained, “Current circumstances have resulted in a tremendous increase in the number of families needing help paying their utility bills. We try to help as many as possible; however, the demand is far greater than the financial donations we receive by individuals or through Project Help.”
How can I help?
Customers can automatically draft monthly donations by signing the authorization card that will be in your next utility bill or online.
- The amount designated to Project Help as indicated on the card will be added to your utility bill until it is removed at the request of the account holder.
- Donations can be made directly to the Help Center at P.O Box 1713, Florence, AL 35630.
About the Help Center:
The Help Center is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization and can provide a tax deduction document. The Help Center was started in 1982 as a cooperative effort between several churches and organizations. They continue to be committed to offering services for anyone in need including food, clothing, utility assistance, and medication assistance. They are a 100% volunteer-operated organization with zero donation dollars used for administration.
For more information, contact:
The Help Center Phone 256.766.7663
Mailing address: PO Box 1713, Florence, AL 35631
Office location: 621 S Court St., Florence, AL 35630
Media Release/Rachel Koonce/City of Florence
