OUC in the news   Press/media contacts   Publication library   Knowledge Center   More about OUC		OUC News Release For Immediate Release   return to archive April 2, 2002 Paul Dillon OUC Commits Another $100,000 To Bill Assistance Program ORLANDO (April 2, 2002) – To help residents suffering from Central Florida's still-slumping economy, OUC—The Reliable One has set aside another $100,000 for its Project Care program, which provides emergency utility bill assistance. The action follows OUC's initial lump-sum commitment of $100,000 to Project Care shortly after the September 11 attacks. "Even though we're seeing signs of improvement, the economy hasn't rebounded for everyone," says Bob Haven, OUC's General Manager & CEO. "Plenty of people still need a helping hand." Established in 1994, Project Care provides emergency assistance to OUC customers who are having trouble paying their utility bills due to unforeseen personal or family crises, such as unexpected job loss or sudden illness. The program assists those experiencing temporary financial hardship. It does not pay for chronic or long-term debt. Not counting the two recent lump-sum contributions from OUC, Project Care raises about $75,000 a year through monthly customer donations and dollar-for-dollar matching funds from the utility. Participating customers either give a fixed amount to Project Care through their utility payments or let OUC round up their bills to the nearest dollar, earmarking the extra funds for the program. OUC sends all Project Care funds to the Community Services Network, a local community assistance agency that distributes the funds to eligible residents. Project Care funds are not distributed by OUC. People who believe they may qualify for help through Project Care may call the Community Services Network at 407.893.7500. OUC—The Reliable One is a municipal utility owned by the City of Orlando. It provides electricity and water services to more than 190,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of Orange and Osceola counties.