Warm Homes, Warm Hearts (Utility Assistance Program)

Warm Homes, Warm Hearts

Program Status: Active ongoing utility assistance program

Geographic Scope: Brunswick and Columbus counties, North Carolina

Program Type: Utility assistance/emergency financial assistance (not a traditional grant)

Overview:
Warm Homes, Warm Hearts is a utility assistance program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford their electricity bills and avoid service disconnection. The program is funded through donations that are matched dollar-for-dollar by BEMC.

Program Details:

• Matching Program: Dollar-for-dollar match by BEMC up to $50,000 annually
• Fund Distribution: 100% of funds go directly to assistance (no administrative overhead)
• Program Start: Began in 2008
• Lifetime Distribution: Over $1 million distributed since inception to thousands of local families

Eligible Assistance:

• Utility bill assistance
• Disconnection prevention
• Low-income household support
• Emergency utility needs

Distribution Partners:

• Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA)
• Columbus County Department of Aging

How It Works:

• Individuals and families apply through partner agencies
• Partner agencies verify income eligibility and need
• Funds distributed to help with electricity costs
• Enables access to basic services: refrigeration, heating, air conditioning

Contact Information for Assistance:

• Brunswick Family Assistance: For Brunswick County residents
• Columbus County Department of Aging: For Columbus County residents
• BEMC Phone: (800) 842-5871
• BEMC Website: www.bemc.org

To Make a Donation:

• Contact BEMC at (800) 842-5871
• Donations are matched dollar-for-dollar by BEMC
• All donations go to help community members in need

How to Access Warm Homes, Warm Hearts Assistance

1. Determine Eligibility
   • Must be low-income household struggling with utility bills
   • Must be BEMC member in Brunswick or Columbus county
   • Income verification required
2. Contact Partner Agencies
   • Brunswick County Residents: Contact Brunswick Family Assistance (BFA)
   • Columbus County Residents: Contact Columbus County Department of Aging
   • These agencies handle applications and verification
3. Application Process
   • Work with partnering agency to complete application
   • Provide income verification and bill documentation
   • Agency determines eligibility and assistance amount
4. Assistance Provision
   • Once approved, funds distributed through partner agency
   • Payment applied to electricity bill
   • Helps prevent disconnection and ensures service continuity
5. Contact for More Information
   • BEMC: (800) 842-5871
   • Ask for information about Warm Homes, Warm Hearts program
   • Staff can direct to appropriate partner agency in your county