ARC Project DESERVE program is changing
The new year will ring in two changes for the Project DESERVE program administered by American Red Cross which provides assistance in paying electric bills.
The first change affects how people will apply for the program, which helps customers of Westar Energy and Atmos Energy. The second change is a new line of assistance for low-income families who are customers of Westar.
Starting Jan. 1, in addition to the elderly (over age 60) and permanently disabled families served by the two utilities, low-income families (those who are at or below 110 percent of federal poverty guidelines) served by Westar will be eligible to receive assistance.
The additional funds were made available from a $1.1 million addition to the Project DESERVE trust from Westar Energy.
The application process is the most visible change for potential clients.
Those interested in the program will now send their application through the mail. Application forms are now available at the Sunflower Chapter of the American Red Cross in McPherson or Marion Senior Center in Marion. For more information, call 620-241-2386.