A coalition of Republic churches in the Republic Ministerial Alliance has been awarded a $10,000 grant to help provide utility assistance for low-income residents. The grant is one of eight announced by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks in its latest round of funding for COVID-19 efforts. Half the money comes from the CFO’s COVID-19 relief fund. The other half comes from the Republic Community Foundation.
Josh Mathews, the pastor of Meadowview Baptist Church, thanked both community foundations for their support.
“We have called this program ‘RepMO Neighbors in Need’ because we realize that many of neighbors are struggling during this season. These funds, along with funds that our local churches have raised, will likely help over 100 of our neighbors with their utility payments in the months to come,” he said.
The program is a continuation and expansion of the Republic Ministerial Alliance’s ongoing efforts to help families keep their utilities on during times of need. Although local utility companies have suspended service shutoffs for now, “that doesn’t stop the bills from coming,” Mathews said. “In truth, it only kicks the can further down the road and will create a separate crisis in July (and) August when bills skyrocket and the shutoff notices are being issued.
“This crisis will hit families as school is back in session and families will be without electricity and water during a very difficult time of the year. Our hope is to get in front of this utilities crisis and begin helping families immediately, which will in turn lower anxiety by bringing relief in their homes.”
The first opportunity for families to apply for assistance will take place May 27 from 4-7 pm at Meadowview Baptist Church. Other churches will hold similar events throughout the summer.
In addition to the $10,000 in grant funding, Mathews said local churches have committed another $2,500 in assistance.
“It has been an incredible joy to watch the Republic community (our churches, our schools, our non-profits, and loving individuals) rise up to meet the needs of our neighbors. This is truly a wonderful place to call home,” Mathews said.
You can donate to the program through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, making out a check to the Republic Ministerial Alliance Utility Assistance Fund.
The Republic Community Foundation has pledged up to $10,000 to match CFO grants through the COVID-19 program. It also is seeking grants directly from local nonprofits and other agencies in response to the coronavirus response. Another $10,000 is available for those grants
