United Way is committed to ensuring that our community has access to basic everyday needs, especially households that may be in crisis. To further help families in need, United Way has partnered with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) to qualify more of its customers for assistance through its FPL Care To Share ® program, which helps keep the lights on for customers experiencing a temporary financial emergency or personal crisis.
FPL recently adopted United Way’s ALICE assistance guidelines, which refers to those in our communities who are asset limited, income constrained and employed. It represents those among us who are working but are living paycheck to paycheck due to childcare costs, transportation challenges, high cost of living and more. Based on the new qualification guidelines, FPL estimates an additional 1.1 million households will be eligible for the program.
“One setback should not define a family’s future,” said Meredith Egan, United Way of Indian River County’s Chief Executive Officer. “FPL’s decision will help negate that potential for our hardworking ALICE households and change the conversation about financial stability for our community residents. It’ll help families bridge adverse situations, make it possible for children to thrive and elevate the entire area.”
FPL also makes it easy for customers to donate through their monthly FPL bill. There are two new ways to contribute: through either a monthly fixed amount or a monthly round-up to the nearest dollar amount. Customers may continue making one-time contributions. For customers interested in donating to Care To Share, visit FPL.com/Caretoshare.
“We are committed to helping our customers who are in crisis get back on their feet,” said FPL Vice President of Customer Service Christopher Chapel. “Each year, with the assistance of great partners like United Way, our Care To Share program helps thousands of families by providing emergency bill payment assistance to eligible customers. By expanding the program’s eligibility to include ALICE households, we are optimistic that we can continue to reach more of our community.”
Since 1994, Care To Share, which is funded by shareholders, employees and customers, has raised more than $26 million to assist nearly 100,000 Florida families in need.
For customers experiencing hardship, FPL has resources available at FPL.com/Help, or United Way can connect customers with resources available from federal, state and local authorities.
About United Way of Indian River County
United Way of Indian River County (UWIRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every community member. United Way works with local programs to provide resources to individuals and families in crisis today, while working year-round to improve community conditions and create lasting solutions. We are effectively building a strong foundation and improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. For more information about your local United Way, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website, UnitedWayIRC.org.
