The Joint Utility and Social Services Committee will host a utility bill assistance fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18 at the Eric Street Market, 237 S. Erie St. According to a June 3 news release, 25 groups representing the JUSSC will provide formal presentations and personal representatives to help those suffering from utility costs.

“We want to put people who need assistance in the same room with the folks who provide assistance,” Chris Kozak, the communications and community relations manager for JUSCC member Colombia Gas of Ohio, told Toledo Free Press June 3. “We want to help as many people as possible.”

Kozak said that in today’s economic climate many citizens either remained unaware they qualified for utility aid or were afraid to take it. The JUSCC, he said, established the fair as a means of combating this trend.

“This fair is going to be positive,” he said. “This is a time everyone needs to get together and help everybody out.”

The news release said attendees can also expect a free hot lunch for children 18 and under 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. The JUSCC will also run raffles with free food box and rent assistance prizes.

JUSCC Chairman Walden Wilson said in the release that many Toledo residents were affected by utility costs. As such, he said, he wished his conglomerate could provide much-needed aid.

“Many in our community are struggling with utility bills,” Wilson said. “Through this assistance fair, we hope to offer some guidance for help, because help is out there and available.”

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 am and is filed under Community, Utilities.
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