Help Keep the Lights On for Our Neighbors

Seton Center Outreach has been a beacon of hope for Northern Frederick County residents for many years. We offer a variety of programs to help individuals and families facing hardship. This year, the need for assistance with utility bills has reached a critical point, and we do not have the funds to sustain the requests for assistance we are receiving.

Just last week, we met Sarah, a single mother with a young daughter. Sarah works tirelessly, but the recent rise in energy costs, especially the increase in her water bill, has left her struggling to keep up with her essential bills. She is one doctor’s visit, one blown tire, one pair of outgrown shoes away from catastrophe. Sarah’s story is not unique. Many of our neighbors face a similar dilemma.

The Numbers Don’t Lie:

According to the ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), more than 50% of households in the Emmitsburg and Thurmont area struggle to afford basic necessities, including utilities. This means that even with a job, many families are just one unexpected expense away from falling behind on their bills. Many are already there, doing their best to juggle which bill they can put off this month and which must be paid immediately. And while energy companies may defer disconnection of services during the winter, the warmer weather means those unpaid bills are now due.

A Helping Hand:

Seton Center Outreach is committed to helping families like Sarah’s keep the lights on. With your generous support, we can provide emergency assistance with essential bills like water, electricity, and gas, offering them a much-needed lifeline during this challenging time.

A donation of any size can make a real difference. Your contribution will help us prevent families from falling into the darkness of disconnection and ensure their homes remain safe and comfortable.

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community faces the impossible choice between which basic necessities they may have to forgo this month. Your gift is appreciated more than you can know!