February 18, 2022

At Atmos Energy, Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities means fueling hope and growth for our neighbors in need through our Sharing the Warmth energy assistance program which leverages the generosity of customer donations with additional contributions by Atmos Energy to amplify the amount of assistance offered. Atmos Energy then partners with local agencies to offer program funds to eligible customers.   

“Just last year our customers contributed $1.2 million, and Atmos Energy donated an additional $2.7 million in Sharing the Warmth funds to 119 nonprofit organizations across the 1,400 communities we serve,” said Faye Kinner, Atmos Energy manager of customer advocacy.  “These funds helped nearly 25,000 eligible customers pay their natural gas bills, keeping them safe, warm, and secure.” 

In our Louisiana communities, Atmos Energy has partnered with the LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. to provide energy assistance to Louisiana families for 12 years. With a vision to assist individuals, children, and families achieve economic stability, LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. also provides emergency food and shelter, weatherization, early childhood development and education, access to youth health care, housing, and job training. 

To better provide immediate funding to our Louisiana neighbors most in need, Atmos Energy recently partnered with LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. to host a blitz in one of the nine parishes they serve. Blitzes are coordinated events that take place on a designated day to distribute bill assistance to customers on a first come, first served basis.  No appointment is necessary and verified Atmos Energy customers receive funding on the spot for past due debt, deposits, and service charges.   

“Our blitz with Atmos Energy supplied almost $60,000 in Sharing the Warmth funds to a total of 72 customers and all of them were extremely grateful,” said Nichole Washington, LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. community services block grant operations manager and administrative assistant.  “We are thankful for Atmos Energy’s generosity, and these Sharing the Warmth funds enable us to help clients year-round.”  

After the blitz event, a client came in needing financial assistance to pay his utilities bills as well as support to move back into his home. Through its partnership with Atmos Energy, La Salle Community Action Association, Inc. was able to immediately help him with Sharing the Warmth funds and provide other necessary items to help care for his three children.    

"I was doing my best to keep a roof over my family's head,” said Robert R., a LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. client. “They helped me with Sharing the Warmth assistance that allowed me to move back into my home and purchase food and Christmas presents. It was truly a blessing, and I am so grateful for the help." 

“This past year we donated $407,000 to assist 1,142 of our Louisiana neighbors,” said Nira McNealy, energy assistance specialist at Atmos Energy.  “LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc. is just one example of the hundreds of energy assistance partnerships that make it possible to help families like Mr. R. and his three children.”   

In addition to Sharing the Warmth funds, energy assistance teams at Atmos Energy work with community action agencies to distribute funds through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  LIHEAP is a federally funded program that provides support to individuals and families for home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs. La Salle Community Action Association, Inc. is also working to secure LIHEAP funding for Mr. R., to help keep his family safe and warm.  

To learn more about LaSalle Community Action Association, Inc., please visit lasallecaa.net, and to support Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds that help customers like Mr. R., please visit atmosenergy.com/sharing-warmth.