Missouri Fuel Funds
- The Mid America Assistance
Coalition (MAAC) of Kansas City, Missouri, provides training
and support for case managers to help homeless families. Since
its establishment in 1994, this program has helped train agencies
and case managers, and assisted nearly 200 homeless families in
moving toward independence. MAAC also manages the fuel funds of
five utility companies in Missouri as well as a trust fund established
by the Jackson County legislature. It also verifies eligibility
for the Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, which help
low-income clients with food, utilities and rent.
MAAC has regularly received funds through a little known resource,
the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). In effect in thirteen
states, NAP allows state governments to provide tax credits to
contributing businesses. Businesses receive a tax credit equal
to one half of their contributions to eligible programs. MAAC
has received credits of about $50,000 annually on behalf of Project
Link and its Information and Referral hot-line, which handles
over 14,000 emergency calls per year and directs people to the
nearest source of food, energy assistance, shelter and other basic
needs.
- Dollar-Help, Inc. (DHI) was founded in 1982 and partners with
Laclede Gas Company who matches customer donations $1 for every
$5 up to $4,000 per month. Laclede Gas also donates all
administration, fund raising and promotion expenses. In 1984,
local congregations became involved and initiated Super Dollar-Help
Weekend to raise funds for DHI.
- Dollar More provides temporary financial assistance
to households with special needs to keep utility services operating
during the extreme temperature seasons of winter and summer. Raising nearly $1
million per year, the program is funded by customers of AmerenUE who
donate varied amounts, usually an additional dollar on their monthly bill.
Raising nearly $1 million per year, the program is funded by the
customers of AmerenUE and administered by the United Way.
- Charitable donations from the Salvation Army and churches
LEVERAGING
2004: $8.4 million
2003: $7.2 million
2002: $2.7 million
Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005
