Home heating help available in South Bend

February 09, 2011|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

SOUTH BEND — Single-digit temperatures have caused a double-digit increase in people seeking help to pay their heating bills. Officials from the United Way say help is still available.

After the automotive industry's troubles, Phil Cable said he experienced one problem after another.

"We're on a very limited income right now," said Cable, who lost his job. "Still out there with the job search."

The hard knocks kept coming.

"I just had a cast on my arm and my other arm was in a sling for the last 90 days," Cable said.

Phil is on the road to recovery. His first stop brought him to the Stone Soup Community.

When volunteers aren't providing chili and cornbread by the piano at the Soup Kitchen in the basement of the United Methodist Church, volunteers are helping people in need, like Phil.

His face-to-face chat brought him a hearty helping of savings this winter and assistance for his heating bill.

"That's one of our biggest bills, other than the mortgage," Cable said.

211 has connected people to agencies that help. The line has received almost 700 utility assistance calls since January 1. That's up from the 329 calls received this time last year.

Stone Soup’s 50/50 program is helping families across St. Joseph County with their utilities.

"We're really trying to help people with their gas bills, electric bills and really make sure utilities are on, and that people are safe and comfortable," said Linda Jung-Zimmerman, executive director of Stone Soup.

The program works like this: For every $50 you pay toward your gas or electric bill, the dollar amount is matched.

"It's a great help," Cable said.

Phil also got tools to keep his heating costs in check. Volunteers gave him a complimentary draft zapper, weather stripping and covers for outlets.

Now, Cable can focus his efforts on something else —

"I’ve got my resume right here," Cable said.

Click here for more information about the 50/50 program.

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