The Etowah/Cherokee Chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting appointments on January 8th, 2015 for Project SHARE, the energy assistance program for low-income elderly or disable individuals. Residents of Etowah County can call to request an appointment by calling the Red Cross office at 256-547-8667 on Thursdays between 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
As the organization responsible for administering Project SHARE funds, a Red Cross representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance in paying their energy bill. For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.
To qualify for assistance, the family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household. In addition, the head of the household must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
• Sixty-two years of age or older
• Receiving (100%) disability income
Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy) was introduced in 1982 through an agreement between Alabama Power Company and the American Red Cross. Since 1984, Alabama Gas Corporation and 24 other electric cooperatives and municipalities have joined and now participate in the program.
Project SHARE is funded through the voluntary pledges made by customers of participating energy suppliers. Assistance is geared toward the need of the client rather than entitlement. Please help those in need this winter by donating to Project SHARE through your energy provider.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.