Potter County assistance programs

Get help with paying heating bills

A local organization, the Panhandle Community Services, has resources and programs that will assist people with expenses, including energy bills. The organization provides utility and heating bill assistance to those people who find themselves unable to afford to keep their heat on or their utility service connected.

Thousands of people receive aid every year. Last year, Panhandle Community Services assisted over 70,000 people across the region in numerous ways. Some people received food, debt counseling, rent help, counseling, prescriptions, and more. Out of that number, close to 10,000 of those received help paying utility bills.

Heating and Cooling Programs

This is another component of the energy bill assistance program, and it allows the community action agency to repair or replace various household appliances such as Air Conditioners, Refrigerators, Gas Heaters, Water Heaters and Furnaces. Not all applicants will be able to qualify for this applicant repair or replacement service since they calculate the income used for energy costs, and the household income of the applicant needs to fall within a certain percentage range.

Community Outreach Services and Emergency Aid

This is a the general name given to some of the wide ranging assistance that is offered by the organization. The Panhandle Community Services agency administers Salvation Army funds, Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), State and Federal government grants, Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Case Management program. When combined they offer low to moderate income people numerous ways to get help.

Another component they offer is counseling and advice. They can refer and advice people on housing issues, debt programs, and even guide people to mortgage and foreclosure prevention programs. For example, an applicant may be assigned to a counselor who can provide tips on repairing credit or reducing credit card or medical debt. Read more on credit card help.

The agency has several offices around the area, but are headquartered in Amarillo. Contact them at (806) 372-2531.