Adopt a Family and HEAT a Home

Nov. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- Many of our neighbors are struggling to stay warm during the winter season. In response, United Way of St. Joseph County's Team HEAT helps families pay their heating bills, learn about budgeting and get the support they need.

It is projected that this winter in St. Joseph County alone, 8,000 households will need heating assistance. However, with their current budget, United Way's Team HEAT can only help 200 households this winter. However, if community members adopt families through Team HEAT, substantially more families can be helped.

For a donation of $300 or $60 dollars per month (November - March), a family can receive 5 months of assistance, which includes:
- A $50 match each month on their first $50 paid towards their heating bill
- Monthly meetings with a case coordinator to work on a plan of action
- A financial/budgeting class and the invitation to work with an ongoing financial fitness program

Adopting a Family is a great way for individuals or local businesses to give a holiday gift that local families truly need.

Team HEAT recipients are St. Joseph County residents that are at or below 250% of poverty. Donations will help a family on Team HEAT's waiting list.

Those interested can donate by writing a check to "United Way of St. Joseph County" with "Team HEAT" in the memo line, sending it to United Way of St. Joseph County, Team HEAT, 3517 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615. Donors are requested to include their contact information if they intend to pledge monthly.

To get on the Team HEAT assistance waiting list, those in need can call United Way 2-1-1 to see if they qualify.  2-1-1 operators can direct you to local agencies who can register you with the CAN (Community Access Network)* database.

Visit http://www.uwsjc.org/team-heat for more information.

Questions? Contact Dawn Chapla at dchapla@uwsjc.org or Laura Stringfellow at 574-232-8201, ext.248.

*The Community Access Network (CAN) is an initiative of United Way of St. Joseph County’s Pro$perity Building Campaign. Through the Pro$perity Building Campaign, United Way is working to meet basic needs, build family support systems, increase income, build savings, and gain and sustain assets.

United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating long-lasting change, ensuring all residents have access to the building blocks to a better life: education, income and health. For more information about United Way of St. Joseph County, visit www.uwsjc.org, find us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @uwstjoecounty.