Utility Assistance Helps Kansas City Single Mother’s Financial Stability during Medical Crisis

Utility service disconnection can trigger far more than the immediate loss of power. It can set off a chain reaction of financial hardship for a household. When essential services are interrupted, families can face added costs, disruption to daily routines, lost income, health and safety risks, and difficult tradeoffs between basic needs. That’s why United Way of Greater Kansas City provides real-time solutions to help households facing the threat of disconnection. 

Household Health Crises 

Nikki is a single mother of two, with one adult and one teenage son to care for. She lives with a number of personal health issues that caused her to be hospitalized last summer, and her health makes it impossible to keep a consistent full-time work schedule. On top of her own struggles, one of her sons has significant mental health challenges.  

“He is addicted to gaming and doesn’t leave the house except for the doctor and work. He doesn’t have control over his finances,” she shared. “My electric bill soars on his days off. I am providing for everything because he will spend his entire check gaming.” 

Nikki’s son is getting treatment. She connected with a case manager at the clinic where he’s receiving services. That person let her know they could offer support, if needed, in covering daily expenses, providing things like hygiene items, and could connect her with caregiver support groups. 

“Even after I was told about it, I didn’t ask for help that day,” Nikki said. “ I had gone to Evergy myself but was told they couldn’t assist because I had been making small payments on what I owed. I was trying to not get disconnected, but I had to be disconnected or on the verge of it to get help.”  

Emergency Financial Help When it Mattered Most  

It eventually got to a point where Nikki owed the utility provider $800. When she did receive a disconnection notice, she remembered that assistance was available. Thanks to a partnership between United Way of Greater Kansas City, utility providers Evergy and Spire, the Critical Medical Needs Program is able to deliver utility assistance to prevent disconnection and restore service for individuals with a medical diagnosis that could be made worse without utility access. 

“Help is around the corner if you just open your mouth. I didn’t have to really ask for help, but I told someone what I was going through and they shared resources with me,” Nikki said. “Don’t be afraid to tell your story because you don’t know where the help you need could come from.” 

How Emergency Assistance Creates Lasting Impact 

More than 20 years ago, Nikki had connected with United Way 211 for help after being laid off from a job. But she’s been able to maintain financial security ever since. The challenges with her personal health and her son’s mental health challenges over the past year have made things tough. She’s exceptionally grateful that in this season of hardship, United Way was there with much needed support. 

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Nikki said. “I had tears of joy and thankfulness in my heart. It wasn’t just that a bill got paid. More than that happened. There was relief—knowing I was able to get help without strings attached so fast was amazing. It was a blessing I needed.” 

You Make This Impact Possible 

Give today to help Kansas City families maintain financial security. 

Need emergency financial help in the Kansas City area? 

CRITICAL MEDICAL NEEDS PROGRAM FAQ:  

Who qualifies for assistance? You must have a verifiable, critical medical or behavioral health need determined by a licensed provider. You must also reside within our service area, which covers much of western Missouri and the Kansas City metro area. You must live in a home with an active Ameren, Evergy, Missouri American Water, or Spire account and have a utility disconnection notice or already be disconnected from one of those providers. If you are served by United Way of Greater Kansas City, the referral form for this program may be completed by the provider or by an individual with a verifiable relationship to the provider holding a valid NPI number. United Way reserves the right to verify the referral with the provider before proceeding with any assistance. 

How do I find which United Way my county is serviced by? Click on your county in the list found on this page. Then use the appropriate information shown to connect with your local United Way for assistance. 

Why is the program only offered in Missouri? This program is a result of work by the Missouri Public Service Commission staff, utility companies operating in Missouri, and United Ways across the state to secure funding, develop process, and assist Missouri residents with critical medical needs.