Not Just a Utility Bill

emPower Heat & Energy

We recognize when a neighbor reaches out for help with a heat or electric bill, it’s often a sign of a much larger struggle. Whether a sudden job loss, medical crisis or change in family dynamics, these financial hurdles can quickly threaten a household’s entire foundation. TrueNorth’s emPower program team provides more than just a payment; they offer coaching and resource navigation necessary to help families regain their footing.

The emPower team recently supported neighbors whose challenges went far beyond what financial assistance alone could fix. One mother was navigating a difficult separation while raising three children, including a daughter with a disability. Without stable housing or a reliable vehicle, even the most basic daily needs felt overwhelming. 

Another neighbor, a grandmother living on a fixed income, was in the process of legally adopting her grandchildren. As she covered mounting legal fees, she was also trying to keep her vehicle running so the children could get to school and participate in extracurricular activities.

These stories illustrate why emPower focuses on “Complex Care.” By addressing immediate utility needs while providing one-on-one coaching, TrueNorth helps neighbors move from a state of constant survival towards long-term security.

By removing the immediate pressure of a utility shut-off or a fuel shortage, emPower creates the space for families to tackle other barriers to self-sufficiency. Whether it’s helping a father maintain his household after a seasonal layoff or ensuring a guardian has the transportation needed to care for her family, the emPower program is about dignity and security.

One participant recently shared before working with emPower staff, they felt a constant sense of tension and instability. Today, they are housed, their vehicle is insured and they have a clear path forward. Another participant noted, the support they received during their most vulnerable moments didn’t just pay a bill, it provided a path forward when they weren’t sure where to turn. When we support our neighbors through their most vulnerable moments, the entire community grows stronger.