The annual Warm Hearts Warm Homes campaign sponsored by Seattle City Light during the month of February netted more than $43,000 in donations.
“We are enormously grateful for the generosity of our customers,” says Customer Service Director Kelly Enright. “Our customers opened their hearts and donated $41,000 to Project Share so that those in the community who have an emergency financial need can get some help. Not only that, City Light employees held fund raisers generating $2,300.”
Project Share has been a part of Seattle City Light’s voluntary giving program since 1985. The program has distributed more than $7 million to help thousands of people. City Light customers have a number of ways that they can participate in the program, including an option to “round up” their utility bill payments to the next highest dollar amount. For example, if your bill is $75.36, you would make a $76 payment, with 64 cents going to Project Share.
Project Share operates on contributions from the public. City Light collects the funds and the Seattle Department of Human Services receives and screens requests for assistance. Last year, 755 City Light customers received $235,712 in assistance through Project Share with an average amount of $312. It is a one-time, emergency program designed to help individuals with an immediate need.
To qualify for assistance, a person must meet income guidelines based on family size. Assistance varies depending on a person’s circumstances. The most recipients can receive is $250, plus up to $250 more in matching funds for any payments they make on their own.
Project Share contributions are tax deductible. Sign ups for “rounding up” your bill and individual contributions can be made online at https://www.seattle.gov/light or by mail to: City of Seattle/Project Share, Treasury Services, P.O. Box 34017 Seattle, WA 98124-1017