Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative is continuing its Lights of Hope initiative this summer. The initiative offers utility bill assistance to veterans facing financial hardships.
Lights of Hope, launched earlier this year in partnership with Houston Project, provides direct assistance for power and propane bills to qualifying veterans who are members of Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative or customers of Coosa Valley Propane. Houston Project is a Pell City nonprofit organization that assists veterans through financial support, community outreach, and resource referrals. The organization also works to raise awareness about challenges facing veterans, including PTSD, depression, and suicide.
Lights of Hope was created after the CVEC Board of Trustees approved an initial $2,000 donation. Combined with a previous $500 contribution and matching funds through CoBank’s Sharing Success Program, the initiative received $5,000 in community support funding.
Lights of Hope’s assistance funds are paid directly to utility accounts while Houston Project staff members verify need and connect veterans with additional resources and support services when needed. Veterans seeking assistance through Lights of Hope may contact Houston Project directly at 205-369-8756. The initiative will continue as long as funds are available.
Community members who wish to support Lights of Hope are encouraged to make a monetary donation to further assist local veterans and their families. Donations may be mailed to the Houston Project at 1916 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125.
For more information about the Houston Project, visit the Houston Project website.