The COVID-19 pandemic has left some people struggling to pay for basic household needs, like hydro.
In an effort to help those having trouble paying energy bills, the Unemployed Help Centre has teamed up with several agencies across Windsor-Essex for the Keep the Heat program, which can provide qualified people with up to $500 a year to help offset hydro costs.
June Muir, CEO for the Unemployed Help Centre, said that with Windsor's Essex unemployment rate currently the highest in Canada at 16.7 per cent, there are many people who are forced to choose between food and hydro. There are also residents who have been laid off due to the pandemic and are living paycheque to paycheque.
"We know there are still so many in our community who are desperate to keep a sense of normalcy for their families," said Muir. "With temperatures beginning to really heat up, we want to ensure nobody is in the situation of having their utilities disconnected because of a possible lack of funds to pay a bill."
Even if you're not sure you qualify, Muir recommends that you contact them as soon as possible, rather than let bills pile up. Trained program contacts are on hand to help people navigate the process.
Although the UHC's offices remain closed due to pandemic-related health guidelines, phone lines are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other Windsor-Essex agencies handling Keep the Heat applications include Can-Am Native Non-Profit Homes, Housing Information Services, the New Canadians’ Centre of Excellence Inc., Amherstburg Community Services, and the South Essex Community Council.
Complete information on the program and qualifications for it can be found on the UHC website.
