News Summary
The Alabama Business Charitable Trust has announced a $250,000 allocation for emergency bill assistance for residents affected by Winter Storms Cora and Enzo. This funding is aimed at helping families struggling with unexpected heating costs due to severe winter weather. The assistance will be available through community action agencies and the Salvation Army’s initiative, with specific eligibility requirements based on income. The Trust has a longstanding commitment to support low-income families addressing energy-related needs during difficult times.
Alabama—The Alabama Business Charitable Trust has announced a $250,000 allocation for emergency bill assistance aimed at helping residents affected by the recent Winter Storms Cora and Enzo. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the unprecedented challenges faced by many Alabamians due to unexpected heating costs resulting from extreme weather conditions.
Staci Brown Brooks, the vice president of Charitable Giving for Alabama Power, noted that many families are struggling to manage their heating expenses in the wake of the winter storms. The Alabama Business Charitable Trust has been providing energy-related assistance to low-income families for over three decades, demonstrating its commitment to supporting those in need. This recent funding comes on top of the annual $1 million allocated for energy bill support, highlighting the Trust’s continued dedication to aid vulnerable populations.
The emergency funds will be disbursed through community action agencies located throughout Alabama, alongside collaborations with the Salvation Army’s Project Share initiative. Individuals seeking assistance must meet specific criteria to be eligible, notably residing in counties impacted by Governor Kay Ivey’s emergency declarations related to the winter weather in January 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the assistance, applicants need to meet income requirements that stipulate they must earn at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines based on household size. The specific income thresholds for eligibility are as follows:
- 1-person household: annual income of $37,650, monthly income of $3,138
- 2-person household: annual income of $51,100, monthly income of $4,258
- 3-person household: annual income of $64,550, monthly income of $5,379
- 4-person household: annual income of $78,000, monthly income of $6,500
- 5-person household: annual income of $91,450, monthly income of $7,621
- 6-person household: annual income of $104,900, monthly income of $8,742
- 7-person household: annual income of $118,350, monthly income of $9,863
- 8-person household: annual income of $131,800, monthly income of $10,983
Senior citizens aged 60 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities, can apply for assistance by reaching out directly to the Salvation Army at (205) 328-2420.
Support for Energy Bills
The funds provided by the Alabama Business Charitable Trust can be utilized for various energy-related expenses incurred during January 2025. This includes costs associated with gas, electric, kerosene, wood, and propane. Such assistance is critical for families trying to navigate the financial burdens exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions.
The Alabama Business Charitable Trust has a strong track record in supporting low-income families with energy needs, solidifying its reputation as a vital resource for Alabamians facing financial hardships due to rising energy costs. Annually, the Trust’s contributions are essential to ensuring that families have access to the necessary support to maintain their utility services.
About Alabama Power
Alabama Power, the entity that funds and manages the Birmingham-based Alabama Business Charitable Trust, serves approximately 1.5 million customers statewide. The power company aims to foster community well-being and resilience in times of need through various charitable giving initiatives.
For further details regarding the Alabama Business Charitable Trust and the energy assistance program, residents are encouraged to visit PowerofGood.org. The initiative reflects an ongoing commitment to empower and assist community members in overcoming economic challenges during extreme weather situations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC 33/40 News
- Alabama News Center
- WVTM 13
- Montgomery Advertiser
- CBS 42
- Wikipedia: Alabama
- Google Search: Alabama Winter Storms
- Google Scholar: Alabama Winter Storms 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- Google News: Alabama Weather
