Utility Assistance

Empowering Communities through impactful programs that Change Lives.
The Urban League provides those needs that stabilize families so that empowered clients may focus on self-improvement and strengthening their communities. The basic needs of food, clothing and shelter must first be met and available for clients and their families so they can then strive for economic self-sufficiency.

The Utility Assistance Program is supported through the generosity of the Ameren Dollar More Program, Illinois Energy Foundation Warm Neighbors Cool Friends Program, Heat-Up St. Louis, Cool Down St. Louis, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program and the City of St. Louis. Annually, the program results in the reconnection and/or the prevention of utility shutoffs for more than 1,000 households in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

The Heat Up St. Louis Rise & Shine “Have A Heart...Heat A Home” and Cool Down St. Louis “Shake Our Cans & Cool Down the Needy” fundraising events generate utility assistance dollars to low income seniors, households with children and persons with disabilities.

Last year, the program resulted in the reconnection and/or the prevention of utility shutoffs for more than 1,400 households in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Urban League members, Community Organization Committee members and a host of community supporters serve as volunteers for fundraising events.

Highlights of the Utility Assistance program include:

Participation in the State of Illinois Legislative Black and Latino Caucuses “Improving Energy Assistance in Illinois” Forum.
Providing Energy conservation and weatherization kits to over 300 senior citizens and households with children.
Collaborations with the Metro East Weather Survival Task Force, Ameren IP, Catholic Urban Programs, Lessie Bates Neighborhood House, the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department and other utility assistance agencies to dialogue with low-income residents about high utility costs, energy conservation and program guidelines.