Free assistance programs help prevent electricity disconnection

Knox County families continue to navigate work, family, and financial shifts and changes due to the impact of the pandemic. AIO understands that lives are complex, made all the more so this past year as individuals and families navigate job reduction or loss, childcare, or healthcare challenges. When budgets get tight AIO is ready to provide that little bit of assistance that can be the difference between families making ends meet and not. AIO is providing that assistance, helping to bridge the financial gap many families are facing. 

AIO is working hard to change the perception of what Food and Energy Assistance means. Food can come from both pantry and grocery store, not one or the other. AIO’s food assistance helps complete a family’s weekly food needs. AIO encourages families who need assistance to consider coming to AIO for staples like milk, eggs, butter, which then frees up more of their income for grocery shopping or to put towards other household expenses. If you have children in diapers AIO’s free diaper program can save you even more. 

Perhaps best known for the Food Assistance Program, AIO’s Energy Assistance Program has become an especially vital service over the last year. The connection between food insecurity and energy insecurity is a critical intersection- and it’s this intersection that is central to AIO’s programs. Clients can request energy assistance twice per heating season, which runs from November 1 through early summer.

With the ongoing financial challenges many families face, AIO anticipates a continued need for electricity assistance to prevent disconnection. This past year AIO has seen how financially stretched clients have become. During the pandemic electricity shutoffs were not allowed; however, as of April 15, electrical companies are now allowed to disconnect electricity for non-payment. AIO can help families who have received electricity disconnection notices, by providing a payment to the electrical company on the client’s behalf once they set up a payment schedule with the electrical company to ensure that the power stays on beyond this initial payment. AIO encourages families to utilize the Food Assistance Program to reduce their grocery shopping costs, which is often more than enough to pay the arranged monthly payment to the electric company.

The threat of electrical disconnection is a year-round challenge for many families. AIO is prepared to offer clients energy assistance, up to two times a year if their situation warrants. Energy Advisors conduct appointments by phone and are available to talk with clients about ways to prioritize their money so that it goes further, as well as the importance of setting up a payment plan with their electricity provider to demonstrate that they are taking responsibility for their bill in order to avoid disconnection.

Enrollment is fast and easy and can be done online at www.aiofoodpantry.org/help-1 or in-person Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 10:00 AM to Noon, and Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 - 6:30.

AIO invites anyone who would like to learn more about the Food and Energy Assistance Programs to send an email to email@aiofoodpantry.org.

Financial contributions help sustain our programs year-round. To donate and learn about other ways to help visit www.aiofoodpantry.org/donate-now.

Together we can grow our community’s awareness of food and energy insecurity and help to make sure anyone who needs help gets it.