OUC, CUSTOMER DONATIONS TO EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND PASS $1 MILLION MARK
Nearly 5,400 Central Florida Families Helped Since Project CARE’s Start

ORLANDO – OUC–The Reliable One and its customers recently marked the $1 million milestone in donations to Project CARE, the utility’s emergency bill payment assistance program.

Project CARE has helped thousands of local families through difficult times by providing emergency, short-term assistance to residents experiencing trouble paying their monthly utility bills due to an unforeseen crisis, such as job loss or sudden illness.

Since the program’s start 13 years ago, $1,025,602 in assistance has been provided to 5,397 families in need. Last year OUC increased its matching donation, giving $2 for every $1 donated by customers and employees. The match had been one-to-one.

"There have been many years of success and many great stories coming out of the partnership between OUC and United Way 2-1-1," said OUC Board President Lonnie Bell. "Project CARE is a special initiative for us, and it truly is an outstanding resource for our community."

OUC also has made special donations to the fund, totaling $272,000, most notably in the wake of September 11 and the 2004 hurricanes.

All donations are collected by OUC and given to United Way 2-1-1, a local non-profit organization that helps determine a customer’s eligibility and need. The program is not intended to pay chronic or long-term debts, and each household is eligible for a maximum benefit of $300 per year.

For more information about Project CARE, please call 407.423.9018 or visit www.ouc.com. OUC customers needing assistance from Project CARE should call 407.849.2356.