Give to EmPOWER Your Community
It’s not uncommon for families in our community to encounter economic hardship. While there are resources available through our strong community partners, we know that some individuals have just enough funds to cover essentials, but do not qualify for assistance programs. With limited income, these neighbors may have to make the impossible choice between paying a utility bill and paying for a new prescription.
EmPOWER is a new program to provide utility grants for Holland BPW customers who might not otherwise qualify for agency assistance. Funded by community donations, grants through this program pay for customers’ past due bill amounts and deposits.
How You Can Help Your Neighbors
With a generous gift to the EmPOWER program, you help provide funds that keep the lights on for our neighbors.
You can give to the EmPOWER program directly through your monthly bill. Complete the enrollment form by clicking the button below to add a donation of $1, $5, or $10 directly to your monthly bill. You will need your account number in order to complete the form. Customers may opt out of the program at any time. Please allow 1-2 billing cycles for changes to reflect on your bill.
Prefer to make a one-time donation? You can also give to the EmPOWER program through cash or check. Checks may be made out to Holland BPW, but please designate “EmPOWER” or “Donation Program” in the memo line. Feel free to come to the Service Center, mail in a check, or drop your check in the drop box outside of the Service Center after hours.
Questions? Give us a call at 616.355.1500, or send us an email. Thank you for your support!
How Customers Qualify
Through Community Action House’s expertise and community connection, Holland BPW customers who may not receive other agency assistance can receive EmPOWER utility assistance with Holland BPW. Community Action House qualifies Holland BPW customers for participation in the program, helping to provide equitable financial assistance through utility grants.
Community Action House’s long history of service and trust-building in the greater Holland community made them a great partner for this program. Through their community connections, the EmPOWER program will specifically fulfill the needs of what United Way deems ALICE households. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Families in the ALICE range of income earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but may not have enough to meet their basic needs. This forces ALICE households to often make impossible choices such as choosing between paying for groceries or making needed car repairs.
Community Action House connects community members with community resources to help them take the next step toward stability and financial progress. Holland BPW customers in need of utility assistance with household income under 200% of the federal poverty line may qualify for the EmPOWER program. This process is handled one-on-one with a Community Action House team member to determine eligibility; Holland BPW customers who need utility assistance but do not meet the requirements of other programs will be referred by Community Action House to Holland BPW as eligible for the EmPOWER program.