Some Utility Funds Available, and Avoid Unsafe Methods of Heating Homes and Apartment

Heat-Up St. Louis, the all-volunteer, not for profit, utility assistance and education charity is encouraging area seniors, the disabled and low-income households to register during November for energy assistance. The charity does have heat grants for needy residents in the City of St. Louis, as long as funds last. Heat-Up St. Louis officials are hoping for additional on-line public donations to support their other service areas in Missouri and Illinois with an upcoming Rams fundraiser.  Those needy individuals in the aforementioned categories may call the Heat-Up Automated Hotline 314-241-7668, or this fall/winter, also go on-line to www.heatupstlouis.org to find assistance in their area.

During November through March, the Cold Weather Rule is in effect in Missouri, which prohibits utility firms from disconnecting a customer for non-payment, as long as the temperature is BELOW 32 degrees.

The charity is also encouraging the public who do NOT qualify for utility assistance to call their local utility and work with them on a payment plan.  HUPSTL is asking the general public to avoid unsafe methods of heating their homes. This includes using a electric space heater, as a primary source of heating.  The charity reminds the public that winter has the highest incidents of home and apartment fires, than any other time during the year.

Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc., services about 17 Missouri and Illinois counties, including the City of St. Louis, and has helped more than 100,000 people since its inception, 10 years ago.  100% of all public donations go towards servicing the needy ONLY.

The charity is also planning its first fundraiser, on November 21, outside of the Edward Jones Dome.  Area firefighters and high school football players and other volunteers will take up special collections from Rams fans, during the annual Boot Out Old Man Winter Collection Drive, two hours before the Rams game. Anyone can give through all UMB banks.

The general public can also become a member of Heat-Up St. Louis, by making a donation at www.heatupstlouis.org, or sending a tax-deductible donation to Heat-Up St. Louis, c/o UMB, P.O. Box 868, and St. Louis, MO 63188.