HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As stimulus checks rollout across the country, more help is on the way to keep the lights on for people here in the Valley.
The Salvation Army of Huntsville and Huntsville Utilities have teamed up to help. Leaders say this week alone, the Salvation Army and Huntsville Utilities assisted people with $10,000 worth of utility bills.
"I expect with Project Share, within the next three months we would have done about $150-180,000 utility assistance," says Salvation Army of Huntsville Corps Officer, Capt. Christopher Bryant.
Bryant says the number of people seeking assistance for utilities increased dramatically. "This year more than any, we've seen an increase, upwards of 40% increase of people seeking assistance," he says.
Bryant says although they are assisting, he encourages people to use their stimulus checks wisely. "Please try to provide what is an emergency need in your household. We've seen an increase need not only with us but with all agencies in the area," he says.
Bryant also says they are limited on resources. "It is a limit on how many people we can take, but we're going to take as many as we can. It is a first come first serve. They have to meet the criteria of senior citizens or on disability," he says.
People are also facing eviction.
According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, The number of evictions have changed throughout the past few weeks. Last week, 18 people were served eviction notices.
Bryant says they do work with landlords to assist with rent, but the amount of assistance is much less.
"We do with them on a case by case basis as we have the resources," he says. The Project Share Program ends in March. If you're interested, you can schedule an appointment with the Salvation Army.
The number to call is (256) 536-5576.