Salvation Army, Atmos Energy team up to keep customers from utter despair
By Alice Thomas-Tisdale
JA Publisher Emerita
The Salvation Army of Jackson, MS is gearing up for what might be a record turnout next Wednesday, July 30th for its annual Energy Assistance “Blitz” sponsored by Atmos Energy. Last year, some 430 residents in the Greater Jackson area, including Copiah, Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Scott, Warren, and Yazoo counties, received financial assistance towards their past due gas bills during a five hour period.
“The Salvation Army is a church. We believe in our mission statement to ‘preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination,’” said Major Bethany Delaney. “I think the need is greater this year. I’m told we get more calls than other call centers, about 500 calls a day, from people asking for help for food, rent, utilities, etc.”
Major Delaney said the Salvation Army is grateful to Atmos Energy for helping those struggling to pay their utility bill with good intentions to catch up but still fall short. She also thanked the energy giant for not only providing hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly in energy assistance but offering their staff members to volunteer during what is always its busiest time of the year. To volunteer, please call Rachel Travis at 601-398-0997.
Also recognizing the need for consumer support programs is Central District Public Service Commissioner DeKeither Stamps. “The community’s access to energy assistance programs is a lifeline for many families, providing not just financial relief but also a sense of security and stability in times of need,” said Stamps who attended last year’s event.
The Jackson Police Department will be on hand to manage crowd control and parking at the service site located at 570 Beasley Rd, Jackson, MS. Although the Blitz is 9-1 p.m., cars will be lined up well before then for the special one-day assistance event.
No appointment is necessary, but you must be an Atmos Energy customer (bill must be in applicant’s name), and bring photo ID, copy of last bill, and/or account number. Customers are asked not to bring children because space is limited.
