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As summer temperatures climb across Central Florida, losing electricity is more than an inconvenience — it can become a life-threatening emergency. For E.C. and her three children, more than two days without power meant enduring dangerous heat without air conditioning while she struggled to keep food on the table and find stable employment.
When E.C. reached out to Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW), her only income came from child support and SNAP benefits. After her SNAP benefits lapsed in April, she was forced to pay for groceries out of pocket, making it even harder to cover her utility bill. Overwhelmed by mounting financial pressures and unable to restore her electricity on her own, she turned to HFUW for help.
E.C. connected with Emergency Assistance Programs Case Manager Kielar Durant, who listened with compassion as she shared the challenges her family was facing.
During the conversation, E.C. became emotional while describing her struggle to provide for her children. Kielar reassured her that Heart of Florida United Way would explore every available option to help.
While reviewing E.C.’s Duke Energy assistance application, Kielar discovered discrepancies on the utility account that could have disqualified the family from receiving assistance. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she consulted with her supervisor, who approved the necessary exception to move the application forward.
Heart of Florida United Way pledged the remaining balance needed to restore E.C.’s electricity before the weekend, ensuring her family could return to a safe home with power and air conditioning.
When E.C. learned her electricity would be restored, she broke down in tears, expressing immense gratitude that her family would no longer have to face the extreme heat without power.
At Heart of Florida United Way, Basic Needs means more than helping families pay a bill. It means ensuring neighbors have access to the essentials they need to stay safe, healthy, and stable — from emergency utility assistance and housing support to food and other critical resources.
Many of these neighbors belong to ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) — working individuals and families who are doing everything right and still struggling to make ends meet. HFUW focuses on ALICE households because they are vital to our community’s strength and future.
In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, we provided basic needs assistance to 510,587 people, alleviating immediate crises and increasing long-term household stability.
When unexpected crises threaten a family’s well-being, HFUW is there to help them regain their footing and move forward with hope. By connecting ALICE families to critical resources and opportunities, we help turn hard work into real financial stability. Ultimately, supporting ALICE means building a more resilient, inclusive community for everyone.
Light the way for neighbors like E.C.
Your support helps families facing unexpected hardships keep the lights on, remain safely housed, and access the basic necessities that create a foundation for long-term stability.
Donate today to help build a strong foundation for resilience and dignity across Central Florida.