Panhandle community services will receive a considerable increase in funds for 2009
With temperatures dropping, energy bills are rising. The need for bill assistance will be the highest so far this winter in the coming months. The Texas panhandle, can sigh a small breath of relief as Panhandle community services will be receiving a considerable increase in funds for 2009. The money comes down from the state and also the federal government in the way of grants.
A budget jump from around 1.2 million to 4 million for 2009 means help is on the way for the elderly, disabled and poor. Panhandle community services has 15 affiliates across the Texas panhandle including two in Amarillo. The Hilltop and Alamo centers help citizens with energy bill assistance along with the other 15 affiliates covering the top 26 counties of the Texas panhandle.
The offices will be closed Christmas eve, Christmas day, new years eve, and new years day. If you need immediate assistance call one of the local affiliates and they may be able to assist you with funds left over from 2008.
"We're going to start really filling up our calendars night now for after the first of the year, but the money will be coming down and we're thrilled that the state is going to be giving us a lot more money this year", said Phyllis Cook, Exectutive director at Panhandle community services.
You may want to start the qualification process as soon as possible to receive help on your upcoming bills. First you'll need your current bill, and second you'll need a bill history with the particular utility company the bill is associated with. If you meet the qualifications, mostly based on household income then you will receive the help you need.
Its important to note that the program is not designed to pay all twelve months bills and permantly take care of a family. The program is set up to help citizens get back on their feet with some utility bill assistance. PCS makes sure to inform the elderly and disabled of exactly how much money they will receive and on what months. This way clients can budget better with the funds they do have.
Here is a list of Panhandle community service centers and information:
Alamo-- Amarillo -- 1502 S. Cleveland -- 806-373-0392
Hilltop-- Amarillo -- 1300 N. Hughes -- 806-376-5947
Borger -- 922 Main -- 806-273-5177
Canyon -- 1310 4th ave -- 806-655-0443
Childress-- 705 19th NW -- 940-937-6335
Clarendon-- 416 S. Kearney -- 806-874-2573
Dalhart -- Courthouse, 5th & Denver-- 806-244-5240
Dimmitt-- 110 SW 2nd -- 806-647-3244
Dumas -- 214 E. 5th -- 806-935-5551
Hereford -- 1011 E. Park Ave -- 806-364-5631
Memphis -- courhouse -- 806-259-5028
Pampa -- 411 N. Cuyler -- 806-665-0081
Perryton -- 105 S. Main -- 806-435-2478
Tulia -- 126 N. Maxwell -- 806-995-4116
Wellington -- 1001 Amarillo St. -- 806-447-5303
Simply call or contact the center located nearest to you and set up an appointment. You can also contact your county judge for more information. Again you'll need your current bill and a history of billing with that particular utility company.
Another option for utility bill assistance is the Salvation Army, which allocates funds monthly to help citizens out. Simply contact the Salvation army and bring the same bill information.
