Where Do You Go if You’re Struggling to Keep the Lights On?
It is well known that there are many programs and organizations put in place to help people in need of basic essential items such as food, shelter, and clothing.
Food pantries, clothing closets, and shelter assistance programs have been serving individuals and families for tens of years in the Denton County community. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t know places like this exist.
When life hits you hard, and you’re in a place of needing help with food, clothing, and shelter, one can probably assume there are other needs just as pressing that go unnoticed.
What if you received rental assistance, but weren’t able to scrape together the funds to pay your electric or water bill?
Who do you turn to?
What if you received rental assistance, but weren’t able to scrape together the funds to pay your electric or water bill?
The good news is that there is an agency that solely focuses on utility assistance for income-eligible households. And the even better news? This agency offers assistance for months on end, giving you the foundation you need to get back on your feet.
More than just utility assistance
Serving citizens since 1968, and Denton County more recently in the past decade, TCOG (Texoma Council of Governments) is an agency that provides energy services, utility assistance, and weatherization services. Receiving funding from federal grants, utility providers, and the local government, funds are in place to help any qualifying household who is in need of assistance.
Even greater than the Denton area, TCOG also assists with 6 other counties including Cooke, Grayson, Collin, Rockwall, Hunt, and Fannin, furthering its impact on the stabilization of homes across North Texas.
TCOG is more than just an agency that helps keep your lights shining and air conditioning blowing. TCOG is an agency that strives to put the family first and seeks to come alongside people in need to build trust and support.
They are truly an agency for the people.
“TCOG’s goal is to improve the quality of life. We believe that we can and will help build better lives through programs such as these and the other services we offer,” Public Information & Media Manager Sean Norton says.
With their vast connections and thorough networking within the community, TCOG partners with numerous organizations and companies to ensure the people of Denton County are getting the complete service they need.
Through working with all utility companies in the North Texas area, 211 (a quick telephone number that provides information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations), and the local government, they are able to serve every single eligible household that requests assistance.
They are the oasis in the desert—never having to send away families due to lack of funds or resources.
Up until this year, eligible families could receive up to $1,400 a year for utility assistance. As of 2020, the household amounts have increased to up to $1,600 a year. If that wasn’t enough, families are able to receive assistance with gas, electricity, and propane all year long from January to December.
As of 2020, eligible familes can now receive up to $1,600 a year for utility assistance.
Getting connected to TCOG couldn’t be any easier. For households who are in need of utility assistance or weatherization support, they can simply complete an online application to see if they are eligible for support.
And if that weren’t enough …
TCOG doesn’t stop there. In addition to the $1,600 a year utility support, households are also able to receive up to $1,600 a year in crisis assistance. Yes, you read that right. That’s up to $3,200 a year that eligible households can currently receive.
For families struggling to get by, TCOG is an answer to prayer.
And regardless of where people have been, TCOG is there to catch anyone who is falling.
It is safe to assume that most people, if not all, have been affected by the crises of 2020 in some way. Of course, the impacts have varied and the severity of the economic effects from this year alone affects every household differently. But it’s also true that people who have never been in a place of needing assistance have been hit by the wake of 2020.
This year alone has been one for the history books. COVID-19 has impacted everyone from low-income households to thriving entrepreneurs and anyone in between.
And regardless of where people have been, TCOG is there to catch anyone who is falling.
In order to apply for crisis assistance, all you need is …
Proof of citizenship
A valid ID
Proof of the last 30 days of income
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been used to rolling in the Benjamins, or budgeting paycheck to paycheck, anyone who has been affected financially within the past month can qualify. No questions asked.
Right now, because of the ongoing pandemic, an additional $94 million in funding is available to Texans through the CARES Act. People living in Collin, Cooke, Fannin, Denton, Hunt, Grayson, and Rockwall counties can apply for assistance online, or request an application be mailed to them by calling (903) -813-3541 and selecting option 2.
With all the stressors of everyday life on top of the current instability, keeping the lights on is one less thing you have to worry about.
Their pledge to you
Due to the amount of uncertainties so many households are facing, TCOG has improved their services to ensure that everyone in need receives assistance.
Not having clients come in right now because of COVID-19, applicants are able to be serviced via phone and online—actually causing many people to receive support even quicker than the 28 process days.
When people call in a crisis, time is of the essence.
Last Tuesday, a woman called TCOG as her utility services were going to be turned off on September 1st. She talked with Michelle Brown, a TCOG Energy Services Specialist serving the Denton community, and was given the opportunity to send in the required documents, and received a pledge of service the following week.
Because of the expediency of TCOG and their dedication to work more quickly and process applications faster, people have been able to receive assistance even sooner. A sigh of relief to many.
Last Tuesday, a woman called TCOG as her utility services were going to be turned off on September 1st. She received a pledge of service the following week.
And better yet, once an applicant receives a pledge of service from TCOG, that pledge is valid regardless if they have to change places of residence for any reason. If someone has to move because they are unable to pay their rent, TCOG can transfer the utility assistance to the newly secured residence.
Weatherization is also available for rented or owned houses, mobile homes, and duplexes. So if you don’t understand why your bills are higher than normal (even during these dog days of summer), funding is available to you for insulation issues.
With the assistance of TCOG, nobody has to be without the tools necessary to become energy efficient and keep a few dollars in your wallet while you’re at it.
So if you find yourself in need of any of the services provided by TCOG, don’t hesitate to reach out today. TCOG would be de-lighted to assist.