Residents Brave The Elements To Support Utility Assitance
WARSAW — Combined Community Services hosted their annual Winter Warmth Sleep Out last night, Oct 20.
Driving past the Kosciusko County Courthouse square Friday evening, tents could be seen spread throughout the lawn. The Winter Warmth Sleep Out congregated a crowd of people who slept out overnight on the lawn. Participants not only raised awareness but helped raise money to go towards utility assistance, aiding people who have special need to have their heat and utilities kept on throughout the cold winter months.
“This raises awareness for the need in the community,” explained John Parker, CCS Utility and Intake Liaison. “There is a need. We see a number of people in need everyday.”
Last year, CCS assisted 323 families, who had a utility disconnect notice, in keeping their utilities on. Families are eligible to request assistance once they have a disconnect notice and can only make a request once annually. While CCS was happy to help 323 families, they were unable to assist 108 families due to funding limitations.
The event was sponsored by Kosciusko REMC, who provided a $10,000 grant for this year’s utility assistance. The program is also support by United Way Funds and individual donors. CCS works together with local churches and trustees to ensure as many families each year are helped as possible.
Donations are still being accepted online or by check to Combined Community Services at 1195 Mariners Drive, Warsaw. Donations can be made directly to utility assistance by specifying on the payment.