Salvation Army can help with utilities

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — The Salvation Army of Ludington is available to help those who have had a difficult winter.

“This has been a difficult winter for many people,” Capt. Timothy McPherson said.

Residents of Mason or Oceana counties can call ahead to make an appointment to discuss utility assistance. Right now there is a two week wait.

“For metered utilities (natural gas and electricity), we will need proof of identification for all household residents, such as picture ID or Social Security card, proof of income for one month such as check stubs or award letter for Social Security,” McPherson said. “We also need a current bill showing that the account is past due. Please note that we do not have to have a shut off notice, just the bill showing that it’s past due.

“Applicants must be at 150% of the poverty level. We determine this through their proof of income. Applicants cannot have applied with any other agency for assistance, except for the Department of Human Services. However, one does not need to go to DHS first for assistance, this requirement is new.

“For people with deliverable fuels such as propane and fuel oil, they need to be at 25% to be eligible.

“We can assist up to $4,000 per household this season and multiple times, too. In some instances, we can exceed this amount with approval from our headquarters in Grand Rapids.’

If anyone has further questions, they should call the Salvation Army office at 231-843-3711.