Community Action Northwest has been offering utility assistance for more than 30 years, and a special time period has been set aside for people needing assistance in the Red Bay area, including from Hodges and Vina.

Federal funds are made available every year to provide this assistance, according to executive director Tammy McDaniel. Community Action Northwest will be assisting Red Bay area households with people 65 and older, and/or disabled who qualify for the utility program, Dec. 14-16 and Dec. 21-22.

“We encourage our elderly and disabled to call and get those appointments. They are our most vulnerable population that we really want to reach,” McDaniel said. “We try to do some outreach in areas where it’s harder for our elderly people to get into Russellville.”

Assistance level varies based on need and size of household, according to state-mandated guidelines. Last year, the agency served 2,703 households in Colbert, Lauderdale and Franklin counties.

“It can really be a big help for people who are struggling,” McDaniel said. “It’s helped a lot of people through the years.”

Assistance is available once person season to cover the cost of one utility bill. McDaniel said some households can also apply for a secondary level of assistance under crisis criteria. Although these first appointments are geared toward and reserved for Red Bay and the surrounding area, other residents of Franklin County may set up appointments using the automated phone system beginning in January.

“We’re trying to reach as many people as we can,” McDaniel said.

To schedule an appointment call 256-332-7534.