As more families worry how they will get their next meal and if they will have a place to call home, UGI Utilities, Inc. is once again working to provide food and housing to those in need.
That help includes $30,000 to support vital food programs focused on feeding children outside of school hours, including Power Packs, Cocoa Packs, Helping Harvest, Second Harvest, and the Central PA Food Bank. UGI also donated $10,000 to PA 211, a free social service hotline that connects community members with resources and programs to help meet their needs.
According to the United Way of Pennsylvania’s ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) report, 39% of Pennsylvania households are facing financial hardship daily. This includes families living below the poverty level and families who cannot afford essentials. These findings, which grew out of data collection partially funded by a $5,000 donation to United Way of Pennsylvania from UGI, not only show the need in our community but also the need to provide help.
UGI also continues to strengthen its partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help families build and improve places to call home. UGI donated $72,500 to support the work of local Habitat for Humanity Organizations throughout the entire service territory.
And help does not stop with donations, UGI employees rolled up their sleeves throughout this year to help build new homes, including projects in Columbia, Lancaster County and the Wyoming Valley communities of Nanticoke and Plymouth. This is in addition to sponsoring Habitat for Humanity of Lancaster-Lebanon’s “Women Build Week” in which all-female work crews raised money and helped build homes. UGI’s support continued off the job site, with employee t-shirt sales that raised additional funding.
“UGI recognizes the foundation of a healthy community depends on the ability for people to have stable access to affordable housing, food, and safe and healthy environments,” says Brooke Smith, UGI’s Community Relations Manager. “Investing in these programs and services across our service territory is one more way UGI can contribute to strengthening the community and supporting those who may need a hand up.”
