El Paso Texas cooling bill assistance.
The summer can bring on intense heat to the Borderland region of Texas. El Paso area residents who are considered low income or who are struggling during these challenging economic times don't have to suffer through the summer without access to any sort of cooling bill assistance.
Project Bravo is the local community action agency for the region. They are always trying to communicate out that there is an assistance program for people across the El Paso Texas region who may be struggling to pay high utility bills during the summer. The non-profit also has information on local shelters and so called cooling stations, many of which are run by local churches and the Salvation Army.
Unfortunately many people who are faced with a financial hardship go without fans and air conditioners. They do this hoping to save money, however it puts their health at risk.
Community relations representatives from Project BRAVO have indicated that what happens during the hot summer months in Texas is that people have a tendency to turn off their air conditioners. Some people are even faced with a disconnection of their service due to outstanding energy bills. They turn off their fans or AC units because they can't afford the high electric bills that may come with using that equipment. So the local government, churches, and representatives from Project BRAVO are encouraging people to not turn off their air conditioners as it is extremely dangerous, especially for the elderly and the young.
Instead be aware that you do have options. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides millions of dollars to town, cities, and counties across the state to help pay cooling bills, or buy equipment. El Paso will usually receive over 2 million dollars from the state and the federal government to aid low-income and working poor families.
So members of the community have a number of options available to them. To apply for the cooling bill assistance, lower income residents can simply head to, or call, the nearest BRAVO neighborhood center. The phone numbers and addresses are below.
- Ysleta - 400 South Zaragoza, 915-629-7664
- Upper Valley - 7000 5th St. Canutillo, Texas, 915-877-7694
- Northeast - 8815 Dyer Suite 300, dial 915- 757-0199
- South Side - 4838 Montana Avenue, 915- 307-4951
- East Side - 11206 Montwood Drive, phone number 915-565-1377
When you call the community action agency, also be sure to ask what else they can do, as they provide a number of social serves and case management.
Another utility assistance resource to explore is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, or CEAP. This is a version of the state’s LIHEAP program, and can help families faced with a crisis situation or possible disconnection. Find more Texas utility assistance programs.
Weatherization is also offered for the low income in the El Paso Texas region. This will help people save money on their cooling bills during the summer, by ensuring that homes are energy efficient and/or sealed properly so that cool air does not escape from them.
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