NW Natural and United Way Partner to Provide Gas Assistance Program for Low-Income Families

PORTLAND, Ore. — November 19, 2008 —While many are cutting down on some of their luxury expenses in this tight economy, others are grappling with how to pay for the basics - like their utility bills. With winter fast approaching, NW Natural is asking the public to join forces with its shareholders and give to the company’s Gas Assistance Program (GAP).

GAP is an important initiative that aids low-income families in Oregon and SW Washington with their natural gas payments, so families can keep the heat on when state and federal assistance runs out.  Every penny donated is distributed by local community action agencies with the help of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.  

“With the faltering economy and high energy costs, getting the word out about GAP has never been as important as it is this year,” said Stephen Feltz, NW Natural Controller & Treasurer. “We hope those that are able will join us and give a little to help out a lot.”

NW Natural pays all program costs so that 100 percent of the GAP donations go directly to helping low-income customers in its service area. Last year, GAP provided $200,000 to help 1,655 customers in need of assistance. The company hopes to grow the dollars donated this year. NW Natural’s Corporate Philanthropy Fund has already contributed $50,000 this year, and hopes other donations can be added from the Bridgeport Village event to help those struggling the most. 

Visit the NW Natural GAP Wishing Tree and Warm Zone at Bridgeport Village

For the second year in a row, the gas company is partnering with Bridgeport Village by sponsoring the NW Natural GAP wishing tree and Warm Zone that will stand near center court November 28 through December 24.

Shoppers can help by picking an ornament off the wishing tree, and then donating to the Gas Assistance Program at the Guest Services kiosk a few feet away. NW Natural is also providing a warm zone where shoppers can enjoy a warm fireplace, hot drink and a little shelter from the unpredictable Oregon weather.

“During extreme weather conditions, people living in poverty and low-income families should not have to choose between buying fuel to heat their homes and buying food for themselves and their families. We’re proud to support NW Natural’s Gas Assistance Program as these types of programs are vital during this uncertain economy,” said Betsy Penson, Regional Marketing Director, CenterCal Properties. 

About the Gas Assistance Program (GAP)

NW Natural provides funding every year to the Gas Assistance Program. The community can learn more about the GAP by visiting: https://www.nwnatural.com/content_aboutus.asp?id=122

About NW Natural

NW Natural is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and serves about 655,000 residential and business customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. It is the largest independent natural gas utility in the Pacific Northwest and is one of the fastest-growing local distribution companies in the nation. For more information about NW Natural, please visit nwnatural.com. 

About United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is working to advance the common good in the four-county Portland/Vancouver area by focusing on the basics we all need for success:  education, income, and health. We all win when children succeed in school, families are financially stable and independent, and people have good health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. By working together we can create opportunities for a better life and create a stronger community.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.