Briana W. of Grandview is raising two children all on her own. She works full-time but still has a hard time making ends meet.
“I try to provide the best that I can for my kids, but we do struggle,” she shared.
During the winter months, a couple of high utility bills came at the worst time. She was already stretched thin and was determined to make sure her kids, a two-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son, had a good Christmas.
“I know it’s not all about the gifts, but as a parent, you definitely want to have something under the tree for them,” she said. “So I didn’t have the funds to pay the full electric bill.”
Thankfully, United Way Impact 100 partner, The Salvation Army of Kansas & Western Missouri, stepped in to help cover her bills through the winter heating season. But once their assistance dollars ran out, she was still a little short.
“I was about two months behind on both Spire and electricity,” Briana said.
Briana and her family often get support from another Impact 100 partner: Grandview Assistance Program (GAP). Right as she was stressing out about how to cover those utility costs and avoid disconnection, a GAP case worker reached out to let her know about some additional dollars recently made available from United Way through an initiative called UHONS (United Helping Our Neighbors Statewide). The statewide United Way partnership aids households facing immediate financial hardship. Those dollars helped cover the remainder of Briana’s past-due utility balances.
“It definitely feels like a big burden off my shoulders to not have to worry about the electricity getting shut off,” she said. “We need it to stay warm in winter, cool in summer, have the lights on to see. It’s scary to think about not having it. So getting this bill taken care of really means a whole lot to us.”
This spring, United Way of Greater Kansas City is distributing $520,000 in funding to support households in covering one-time expenses related to housing, utilities, transportation and childcare costs in partnership with 23 local nonprofits.
“It can feel like you’re always struggling in some way, shape, or form,” Briana said. “It’s such a blessing and so helpful when I’m able to get any kind of assistance. I’m really grateful.”