​United Way reports Bruce-Grey residents enter winter already needing utility assistance

The United Way of Bruce Grey is sharing new data from the Utility Assistance Program, showing how rising utility costs are affecting local families, children, and seniors at a growing rate.

This past year, the program supported 302 households, helping 751 people stay connected to heat and electricity. That includes 236 children and 106 seniors, with senior requests doubling compared to the previous winter.

One of the biggest concerns is how early people are falling behind. January’s requests rose 27 per cent, and February nearly doubled compared to the year before. Families are entering winter already in arrears, something that used to be rare.

Over the year, the program delivered $183,973 in emergency utility grants to households with an average income of just $22,557. These are adults trying to keep up, children living in unstable conditions, and seniors on fixed incomes who simply cannot stretch their dollars far enough.

“The numbers show people are falling behind earlier and staying behind longer,” says Francesca Dobbyn, executive director of the United Way of Bruce Grey. “More kids and seniors are being affected, and households are entering winter already in crisis. This program reveals the real affordability pressures facing our community.”

WHERE PEOPLE CAN TURN FOR HELP

Anyone who needs information about the Utility Assistance Program or other local supports can call 211.

211 can provide details on:
 

• Utility and energy assistance programs
• Supports for children and families
• Resources for seniors
• Budgeting and financial literacy services
• Housing and emergency programs
• Fuel and winter heating supports

211 is the most complete, up-to-date source for community programs across Bruce-Grey. If someone doesn’t know where to start, this is the best first step.

Anyone wanting to support community members facing utility insecurity can donate at DonateToday.ca.

The United Way of Bruce Grey will continue monitoring and sharing data to help partners, policymakers, and the community plan for what’s ahead and understand where help is needed most.