News Release

Project Share Surpasses $2 Million in Assistance

March 21, 2005

As the Project Share program completes its sixteenth (16) year this winter, the Salvation Army, Huntsville Utilities and the Project Share Board are pleased to announce that the program reached the $2 million dollar mark in assistance during February of 2005.

The total number of families assisted since the program's debut in 1988 has climbed to 14,002 with assistance to date reaching $2,026,260. During the month of January the program dispersed $51,458 in utility assistance to 345 households.

During January, 2930 customers contributed a total of $13,903, averaging slightly less than $4.75 per contributor. In December, 3176 customers contributed a total of $20,498, for an average of $6.45 per donation. The average contribution since the programs inception in November 1988 has been $3.15, so these contribution averages reflect a significant increase.

Contributions tend to rise during colder weather as the dropping temperatures result in increased heating costs and more customers think of the heating needs of others.

The Project Share program was developed to help customers 62 years of age or older, or those who are certified as disabled, pay their utility bill. Participants must be on a low or fixed income not exceeding the state household income eligibility guidelines as specified by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and/or the Alabama Department of Human Resources. A representative at the Salvation Army determines eligibility of fund recipients.

One hundred percent (100%) of the tax-deductible contributions go directly to those in need. Citizens of Madison County should take pride in this program as other utility companies have reported similar programs only surviving five to six years. Only a little over 2% of Huntsville Utilities total customer base participates in the program by donating monthly. Customers are urged to include a donation each month when paying their utility bill. The utility bill conveniently provides a designated area to indicate a donation.