Mission: To raise funds to help metro area residents heat their homes in the bitter cold winter months and cool their homes during the hot and humid summer months and to broaden community awareness about the need for energy assistance in the metro area.
Neighbors in Need
- 2,903 : average yearly number of Omaha households who receive assistance from The Salvation Army.
- 1,268 : average yearly number of Omaha households who receive assistance from The American Red Cross Heartland Chapter.
- 401 : Number of seniors assisted by OPPD’s energy assistance program in 2011 out of a total of 1,268 households involved.
- This represents an 20.9% increase in need for the local community since 2009.
- 11.3% : Estimated percentage of the Omaha population living in poverty according to the most recent 2010 U.S. Census report on Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage.
- The Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data reports that 26% of the children in Omaha are living in poverty.
The Heartland Walk for Warmth Campaign is supported by a broad coalition of metro area nonprofit organizations, corporations, government representatives and concerned citizens.
The agencies work with clients to develop a full continuum of care that addresses both their immediate and long-term needs. Referrals are made to collaborating agencies for needed services and food, material and additional financial assistance is provided on a case-by-case basis as part of the plan developed to help the client establish, or regain, self-sufficiency.
You can become part of the energy assistance campaign by either participating in the Walk on Feb. 23, 2013 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, or by donating funds online, by mail, or using the form on your local utility bills.
