As winter settles over the Dayton area, rising utility bills are straining household budgets. Two local organizations are responding with direct aid to keep families warm and fed.
With God’s Grace pantry faces budget crunch
With God’s Grace, a faith‑based food pantry and grocery store serving Dayton residents, announced that soaring heating costs could force difficult cuts. Executive director Nicole Adkins warned that maintaining temperature control in the pantry’s two buildings is becoming financially untenable.
“The free grocery store is going to be the first item that we will eliminate,” Adkins said, adding that the organization may have to sell a building to stay afloat. “It’s going to hurt the families and our community that totally relies on us every day.”
Adkins emphasized that the pantry’s mission to provide free food remains paramount, but the rising expense of heating the facilities threatens that core service.
Winter Crisis Program expands utility aid
Meanwhile, the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (MVCAP) is scaling up its Winter Crisis Program, a utility‑assistance initiative that has been operating since 1970. President and CEO Erin Jeffries explained that the program is seeing a surge in demand as gasoline, heating fuel and electricity prices climb.
“We hear that the prices for gasoline, for heating fuel, for utilities, and other everyday expenses are really stretching household budgets,” Jeffries said. “If someone has received a shut‑off notice, maybe their service has already been disconnected, or maybe they are running low on propane, heating oil or even pellets, that’s when the program will step in to help.”
The program accepts applications from families facing imminent utility shut‑offs or those who have already lost service. Jeffries noted that many new applicants had never needed assistance before but are now confronting unexpected financial pressure.
How families can get help
Eligible households can apply for the Winter Crisis Program through MVCAP’s website. Assistance may cover payment of overdue bills, purchase of heating fuel, or temporary utility reconnection fees. The partnership also works closely with local churches and community groups to identify families in need.
For families relying on With God’s Grace pantry, MVCAP’s utility aid could provide the breathing room needed to keep the pantry’s doors open. Both organizations stress that community solidarity and faith‑based compassion are essential to weathering the winter’s economic chill.
Community response
Local residents have expressed gratitude for the coordinated effort. “It’s a blessing to see our neighbors and churches come together,” said longtime Dayton volunteer Maria Lopez. “When families can keep the heat on, they can focus on work, school and staying healthy.”
Donors are encouraged to support both With God’s Grace and the Winter Crisis Program. Contributions help cover operational costs, purchase heating fuel and maintain the pantry’s free grocery offerings.
For more information on how to apply for utility assistance or to donate, visit the Miami Valley Community Action Partnership website or contact With God’s Grace pantry directly.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
