This year, Americans Helping Americans® provided critical support to Appalachian families struggling to keep the lights on, heat their homes, and pay their rent.

Through our utility assistance program, Americans Helping Americans® provided $8,600 in cash grants to three partner organizations in Georgia and Tennessee, directly helping 3,563 individuals, which not only eased immediate financial strain but also ensured families could focus on stability and well-being without the fear of losing basic services.

A Fresh Start for Sabrina

Among them is Sabrina, a recent college graduate who was facing many challenges many new graduates find themselves in, including struggling to find full-time work, secure housing, and cover car repairs.

Sabrina initially got a part-time job at a local Dunkin’ Donuts but she continued to feel overwhelmed.

But through funding from Americans Helping Americans®, she was able to stay with our partner Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies in Jefferson City, Tennessee, which helped her with her car maintenance. She also quickly got a new job at a call center in Morristown that offered great benefits.

Americans Helping Americans® funding also funded a week of gas to ensure she made it there until her first paycheck.

She started saving money and eventually needed to find a place to move to.

A friend told her about a small house for rent near the university, and with the help from the Americans Helping Americans® grant, she was able to pay an electric deposit.

“I’m so grateful for the AHA help!” said Sabrina.

Helping Families in Gainesville, Georgia

In Gainesville, Georgia, our partner there, LAMP Ministries, operates its utility assistance program, which helps with utility bills, rent, and deposits.

“It’s a struggle with inflation for a family to save the first and last month’s rent, to move in somewhere,” says LAMP executive director Mary Maurico. “Saving the first and last months’ rent for deposit is unrealistic for them.

“So, if we can help with the deposits, then we can help with them having a place to came home to.

“Utility assistance is very important for families not to become homeless.”

A Lifeline During Harsh Winters

LAMP program director Wendy Franklin reported that the weather last winter there had been “crazy,” which made it hard for a single dad.

“But I am thankful to LAMP Ministries and Americans Helping Americans® for being able to help me with the unexpected light bill,” he said, adding, “I cannot work a lot of overtime because it’s just me and my kids, so with the weather being so cold this year it has been rough.”