Give a Helping Hand

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The PUD’s Neighbor to Neighbor program assists community members in need

By Rodger Nichols

With the holidays upon us, many feel the calling of peace on Earth and goodwill toward men. It is a time of happy memories and generous giving, and a time to reach out and help others in need.

Those needs can be especially challenging this time of year. Winter can be chilly and bleak in The Dalles. The coldest month is December, with an average low of 30º F and a high of 41º F. The days are short, offering only nine hours of sun and 15 hours of darkness.

During the scant daylight hours, residents experience what one weather website calls “essentially constant cloud cover.” Throughout the month, there is a 68% chance the sky will be overcast or mostly cloudy.

All these factors lead to the need for more heating during December. For some families, the extra cost can be a problem.

Fortunately, Northern Wasco County PUD (NWCPUD) has a longstanding program so customers can help.

The Neighbor to Neighbor program is a collective fund that gives a helping hand to customers struggling to pay their electric bills via community and customer donations. It is for emergency relief only, offering up to $150 two times a year per household.

The PUD matches all donations, and 100% of customer donations stay local.

To Receive

Eligibility is established according to federally defined poverty levels. Verification of eligibility is determined by the local Mid- Columbia Community Action Council/ Community Action Partnership office at 312 East 4th Street in The Dalles.

Customers are eligible to receive funds from the Neighbor to Neighbor program if their account is past due. Their gross yearly income must be equal to or less than the corresponding family size for their household to qualify for this program.

• Family size 1: $29,334
• Family size 2: $38,373
• Family size 3: $47,402
• Family size 4: $56,430
• Family size 5: $65,459
• Family size 6: $74,488
• Family size 7: $76,181
• Family size 8: $77,874
• Family size 9: $79,567
• Family size 10: $81,260

To Contribute

It’s easy to participate. Sign up by completing the Neighbor to Neighbor donation form.

Customers can make one-time payments, have monthly contributions automatically added to their bills each month or have their bills rounded up to the nearest dollar amount, with the rounded-up amount going to the program.

Participants may also contribute by writing checks made payable to “Neighbor to Neighbor” and mailing them to the Northern Wasco County PUD office at 2345 River Road, The Dalles, or by dropping them in a PUD payment box.

All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information about programs offered through Mid-Columbia Community Action Council or to apply, visit the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council website.