The non-profit organization has until December 31 to give away the influx of state and federal money intended to help low income families with paying energy bills.
They're calling it an energy assistance blitz.
"We still have a lot of money that we want to spend utility assistance money so we're telling everybody, you don't need an appointment just come in," said outreach worker Sylvia Campbell.
One of the big things the organization helps with all throughout the year is energy bill assistance. Campbell said, while the economy is doing well, the current housing shortage is causing many to struggle.
"The rent... the people that rent, their rent is very high. It's outrageous. Most of their income or all of their income is going toward their rent," said Campbell.The high cost incurred throughout the month has some having to make tough decisions: Pay rent or utilities. More often than not, rent weighs heaviest on the scales.
"Mostly it's the single parents. Single parents that are struggling because they don't have anybody else living with them it's just them and their kids," Campbell.
There is no set amount of income to determine whether a person qualifies for the assistance. Outreach workers evaluate paperwork and make the determination on a case by case basis.
"You're probably making 2,000 3,000 but there's six or seven in your household, well you'll qualify," said Campbell.
The West Texas Opportunities organization will be taking walk-ins through December 11. The offices are located in the Bank of America first floor on the corner of Grant and 7th Street in Odessa. The funds will run out by December 31st, so the money needs to be allocated before the funds are taking back by the government.
Here's what you'll need:
- Picture I.D
- Social Security Cards (for everyone in the household)
- Paystubs (most recent 30 days)
