Low income customers of Avista in Oregon can get assistance from Project SHARE. Generous individuals as well as customers contribute on a recurring (or one time) donations to this program, and 100% of the funds raised go to pay energy bills of the less fortunate.
The funds pledged from the community can pay gas, heating, or electric bills. The donations are raised (and administered) by the Salvation Army in ORegon. This is a major partner of Avista, and the two groups work together to help the less fortunate. Together they process applications and raise money.
Donations: Most of the money is raised from recurring donations. The type of people (or groups) that donate include employees, individuals, local businesses, church groups, and others. All of the groups contribute to Avista Oregon Project SHARE.
Most of the funds are through recurring amounts. It is generally between $1 to $10 given each month...though most people choose a small amount. One hundred percent of the money goes to pay energy bills, and the amount donated will be added to the monthly utility bills.
One time contributions can also be made to Project SHARE in Oregon. Avista (as well as the Salvation Army) will take these funds too. Any dollar amount is appreciated, and there are no conditions to contributing. Whether it is $1 or $100 dollars, all of these funds pay some form of utility bill.
When signing up to donate, review a monthly utility bill for details on the process. The enrollment process to contribute can be done right there. Or one time funds can be sent in. Note all money raised is generally tax deductible.
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Project SHARE beneficiaries in Oregon: Most of the money goes to help senior citizens and/or the disabled. But anyone who is assisted will be local, and this is why the program is often called neighbors helping neighbors.
An application is needed. Avista will normally also recommend the low income customer apply for other financial aid (including LIHEAP grants) for paying their bills. The Salvation Army may also have suggestions. As Project SHARE only has a small amount of money available, and it goes quickly.
Once the donations from the community have been used up, no other families will be able to qualify for help. However there may be more contributions coming in each and every month, but it does take time to add up. Therefore even if someone was not able to get utility bill assistance at one point, they may be able to reapply at some late date.
Anyone who needs information on Avista Oregon Project SHARE, or who is looking to apply, should call the company at (800) 227-9187. Or they can try a local Salvation Army center, as they are a key partner of the energy company. A customer service representative will go over all of the options that may or may not be available to that particular customer.