The Plus-1 program
The Plus-1 program was created in 1982 and is a partnership between MIFA and MLGW that provides utility assistance for individuals and families in financial crisis.
How does Plus-1 work?
MLGW
collects Plus-1 funds, and MIFA screens clients for eligibility and
priority and authorizes payments from the Plus-1 fund to their accounts. The
average eligible household receives $200 in assistance, plus
negotiation with MLGW to establish a payment plan for the balance. In fiscal year 2012, requests for utility assistance increased 19% over the previous year.
MLGW customers fund the program through one-time donations or by adding a dollar or more to their utility bills each month. 9,000 customers—or roughly 2% of the total population MLGW serves—contributed enough last year to help about 1,700 families. If every MLGW customer gave just $1 per month, we could serve more than 20,000 families per year.
Four easy ways to give to Plus-1
- Download this form and mail it to MLGW.
- Add $1 or more to your monthly MLGW bill by signing up here.
- Make a one-time gift to Plus-1 here.
- Lead an employee sign-up campaign at your company. Download the toolkit here.
