The United Way of Beaver County (UWBC) is pleased to announce that $50,000 in grants have been awarded from The ALICE Fund to four Beaver County non-profit organizations that provide utility bill payment assistance. These ALICE mini-grants are to serve the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Beaver County specifically, as ALICE families often do not qualify for other utility assistance programs. This round of grants focuses on utility assistance in response to the escalating number of requests reported by PA211, as well as calls received directly at the United Way of Beaver County office, which have increased dramatically.
Through the mini-grants, the UWBC is helping to fund the following organizations and programs:
- The Salvation Army – Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, and Rochester
- St. Vincent DePaul Society/Our Lady of the Valley Conference
- The Cornerstone of Beaver County
- The Franklin Center of Beaver County
ALICE households are comprised of hardworking individuals and families who still struggle to afford essential needs such as housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology (Source: www.unitedforalice.org). Alarmingly, 39% of households in Beaver County fall below the ALICE Threshold, underscoring the financial challenges faced by many in our community.
“If someone needs help with a utility bill, they should first contact the utility provider to explore assistance programs or payment plans. Only contact these four agencies if no other options exist or disconnection is imminent, as funds are limited and for emergencies,” said Mary Lou Harju, Executive Director of UWBC.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for actively participating in the #UnitedforALICE efforts and generously contributing to The ALICE Fund, enabling the realization of a total of $120,000 in mini-grants being awarded in 2024 to help ALICE households. Your support allows the UWBC to broaden our reach, extending assistance further into the community. Please continue to contribute to the UWBC’s Annual Campaign and The ALICE Fund. By doing so, our community becomes stronger, allowing Beaver County residents to thrive,” stated Harju.