Utility-bill problems during heat wave

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With record-breaking temperatures in Austin in June, the number of people asking for utility-bill help continues to rise as well.

Hundreds of people went to the Travis County Emergency Health Center at Interstate 35 and Cesar Chavez Street Wednesday to ask for help. With the struggling economy, other records, like the heat index continue to be broken.

Belinda Angoori, a manager with Travis County's Emergency Assistance Program said 76 percent more people are coming in for help compared to June 2008.

"We're trying to help as many people as we can," she said.

In 2008, Austin Energy gave $218,528 to more than 1,000 households struggling with poverty, which is about one-fourth of the requests for help. Statistics on 2009's energy assistance were not immediately available Wednesday.

Angoori said those that need utility help can apply at various locations throughout Travis County. The help given out also coincides with Family Eldercare's 19th Annual Summer Fan Drive.

"This is a way, a very easy way for people to give back," said Karin Dicks, Community Relations Specialist for AMD Austin. "For just $15 to donate, that purchases a fan. And just think of the difference that will make in someone's home this summer."

AMD is the fan drive's largest corporate sponsor, said Krystal Wilson with Family Eldercare. Wilson encouraged other companies to get involved as well, by continuing to raise money for fans and buying fans for families in need.

"We have seen a few less donations this year," said Wilson. "We're really hoping the community comes through this Friday."

Fan Fare Friday is June 26th at Threadgill's World Headquarters, where people can come to donate fans or money and enjoy live music from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In 2008, Family Eldercare, along with KXAN and other partner or distributed more than 9,500 fans and 113 air conditioners to more than 4,500 households. Fans are distributed to low-income older adults, people with disabilities and families with children.