Energy assistance

The Salvation Army’s Energy Assistance Services (EAS) seeks to walk alongside low-income households to address energy crises.  In this process an applicant may be offered bill payment assistance, energy company subsidy program enrollment, and case management services.  The goal of these services is to support household financial stability and support the customer in achieving goals they have set for themselves.  In most situations, an EAS Case Specialist will meet with an applicant one on one to determine eligibility and to assess the need or opportunity for additional supports.

Funding for EAS is provided by a grant from the State of Michigan, partnerships with Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and Michigan Gas Utilities as well as donations from individuals and other corporations.

How It Works

Each household that requests utility assistance is given a one-on-one interview conducted by our social services staff. During the interview, individual strengths and needs are identified, including the need for utility assistance. Also at this time, past and current use of community resources are explored and household income and expenses are reviewed. This dialogue leads to the development of a service plan to guide the provision of utility assistance. In all cases, eligibility for services is individually determined by our social services staff, based on the comprehensive assessment. Social services staff members then work directly with the utility companies to assist the household financially and to avoid shut off.

New Application Process This Year: STEP ONE = APPLY ONLINE

• If you are not able to apply online, please contact your local Salvation Army (see list below) for assistance with applying.
• When applying online, please select The Salvation Army as your referral partner and check the boxes that allow us permission to access your case so we may assist you with your energy assistance needs.

APPLY ONLINE HERE

The following documents are needed for energy assistance appointments to apply online or in person:

• One form of ID for the applicant such as:
• Driver's license, State ID, Passport or green card, birth certificate
• Social Security Numbers for household members
• Proof of most recent household income for the past 45 days
• Most recent Bank Statement 
• Most recent copy of bill

If you have questions, please call The Salvation Army's Call Center:
(616) 929-1645 or toll free (855) 929-1640. 

The Call Center is available Monday - Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. 
If you need energy assistance outside of Call Center hours please contact United Way 2-1-1 at 1-800-887-1107 or https://www.211.org/

List of Western Michigan/Northern Indiana Locations: