“I didn’t think anyone cared. You showed me someone does.” - 78 year old Pittsburgh resident

A Life Interrupted A 78-year-old widow in Pittsburgh, living with stage 4 cancer, returned home from a two-month hospital stay to find a gas shutoff notice waiting for her. Alone, immobile, and without family support, she was overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. She had never asked for help before and told our coordinator, “I worked hard my whole life—I’ve never been behind on my bills.”

Emergency Action The gas company demanded $400 in back payments. She couldn’t afford it—and couldn’t even organize the documents needed to apply for assistance. Our Emergency Response Coordinator visited her home, helped her gather paperwork, and submitted an emergency energy grant application on her behalf.

To qualify, she needed to make a $150 good faith payment—an amount she didn’t have. Thanks to general operating support from The Pittsburgh Foundation, we were able to cover that cost and unlock access to the grant.

Restored and Reassured Her gas service was restored within 48 hours. We also enrolled her in the Gas CAP program, ensuring her future bills would remain affordable and manageable.

Help us continue this work. Your support allows us to reach seniors in crisis and restore dignity, warmth, and hope. Donate Now

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This story was made possible through general operating support from The Pittsburgh Foundation, which helped fund our Emergency Energy Response Assistance (EERA) program.