Eugene (KMTR) - There is help available for people who are having trouble paying their utility bills.
Since October, more than 1,700 families have turned to St. Vincent DePaul Society for help. The agency says since July, the number of families with both parents working that still need assistance, has increased 40 percent.
The Eugene Water and Electric Board has also seen a huge jump in the number of people who need help paying their bill.
Both organizations continue to work together to help people stay warm in the winter.
"As we move into the winter months, we know the bills are going to run up. The bill that comes in next month, that comes in the month after that, after you get done with this period of time is actually when the real need really begins," says Terry McDonald, St. Vincent DePaul’s executive director.
EWEB is also continuing its job loss credit program. More than 6,000 customers used it in the first six months.
Any unemployed EWEB customer, who has not applied for the program since October 1, could be eligible for a $300 credit. Those interested may contact EWEB for details.
Normal hours for the St. Vincent DePaul utility help line are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. They will be close at noon Christmas Eve, and will remain closed on Christmas Day.
