Heisse Johnson Hand Up Program

The Heisse Johnson Keeping Warm Fund has been providing assistance to individuals in need of financial help with their energy bills since 1989. The program was a result of the vision of Rev. Dr. Heisse Johnson and many other dedicated individuals who had a passion for helping others. Rev. Dr. Johnson worked diligently for almost four years coordinating the partnership between BrightRidge, Atmos Energy, various ministers located in Johnson City, Good Samaritan Ministries, and the Salvation Army to organize the Heisse Johnson Keeping Warm Fund. These agencies work closely to avoid duplication of services and to ensure the system is not abused.

Annual customer contributions have averaged $69,000 since 2005. The economic downturn had a significant impact on some and their ability to pay energy bills, as well as a steady decline in Keeping Warm fund donations. In an effort to bolster contributions to the Heisse Johnson Keeping Warm Fund, organizers decided to take a new approach in order to expand its service to others. BrightRidge Board of Directors voted at its November 2008 meeting to match customer donations up to $70,000 annually. This alone doubled the number of households the program assists. A second approach to bolster funds was to change the program name from Heisse Johnson Keeping Warm Fund to Heisse Johnson Hand Up Program. The name change expanded the program from a “winter heating assistance program” to a year-round utility assistance service for low-income households in crisis. The new marketing proposal was “that every customer add $1 to their (electricity) bill for Heisse Johnson Hand Up Program,” said Lester Lattany, then President – CEO Johnson City Area United Way, Inc. All funds collected go directly to the Heisse Johnson Hand Up Program to be re-distributed via Good Samaritan’s Ministries and the Salvation Army. Remember, each dollar you contribute will be matched by an additional dollar, doubling the benefit for our community.

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