When emergency situations occur, will help be available? It can be, with Columbus Light & Water’s program called SHARE ONE, a special fund set up for customers who need temporary help paying a utility bill. The funds come from people like you, who want to share one dollar or more with needy families. Simply call the utility at 328 -7192 to request a SHARE ONE form, or stop by the office and pick one up.

The amount you specify, one dollar or more, will be added to your utility bill each month, and then placed in the SHARE ONE fund, which is administered by the non-profit agency Helping Hands. This agency screens applicants and recommends those mostly needy. Those who qualify for the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance program are not eligible. Otherwise, Helping Hands gives first consideration to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families below the poverty line. The recipients then receive a voucher, not cash money, which is presented to the utility’s Customer Service Department for payment from the accrued SHARE ONE funds.

The program’s success is dependent upon the availability of funds. Please consider helping your neighbors in need by sharing a dollar or more.

Guidelines for SHARE ONE

1. ELIGIBILITY
   1. SHARE ONE funds shall be used only for customers of Columbus Light & Water.
   2. Assistance from the SHARE ONE fund will be for the sole purpose of supplementing and extending current available resources, but not to substitute or reimburse ongoing programs and services. The assistance is available to those households who do not qualify for the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
   3. Funds will be used for families who show a temporary need because of job loss or other demonstrated inability to pay their utility bill. Applicants pay history will be reviewed prior to receipt of assistance. First consideration will be given to these categories:
      • The elderly (over 65)
      • Handicapped persons
      • Families below Federal poverty line
      • All others who demonstrate a verifiable need for utility assistance.
2. IMPLEMENTION
   1. Customers are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible. Waiting until the due date on the bill will delay the SHARE ONE process.
   2. SHARE ONE funds will not be used for deposits, reconnect fees, or penalties. The amount of payment authorized will be contingent upon the funds available in the SHARE ONE account.
   3. Assistance shall be limited to payment of one month’s bill. Should the utility bill contain charges for more than one month, only one month’s portion of the accumulated bill can be paid. In dire emergencies only will consideration be given to providing assistance for more than one month; never more than two. Funds can be used once per year, per recipient.
   4. Administrative costs are not authorized and 100% of contributions to this program will go to help families on need.
   5. Once Helping Hands receives a request for assistance, they should verify by calling Columbus Light & Water (328-7192, Emily Harrington) to confirm the amount owed and obtain payment information, which will be confidential and used only in making the determination concerning the recipient’s eligibility. At the completion of the paperwork, the recipient presents to Columbus Light & Water the voucher stating the amount of payment.