EnergyCare Information

In the wake of a deadly heat wave in summer of 1980 and a devastating blizzard in 1982, Sister Patricia Ann Kelley founded EnergyCare in 1983 to provide protection from the deadly hazards of extreme cold and heat for the elderly, disabled and needy. St. Pat initiated projects that warmed, cooled, and educated the low-income people most at risk of illness, hospitalization, or death. Who We Are • Social service organization • Designated by IRS as a tax-exempt charity • Private, nongovernmental, nondenominational What We Do EnergyCare’s programs help low-income St. Louisans to stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and take control over their energy bills. There are over 208,000 people living in poverty in St. Louis City and County. This number has been growing rapidly over recent years, and has not been reversed by the tentative economic recovery. These people face a range of energy related challenges: • Many live in low quality, poorly insulated homes that are expensive and difficult to keep warm in winter and cool in summer • Due to their low incomes many cannot afford appliances like air conditioners • Unavoidable events (like high bills and furnace breakdowns) can present a financial crisis that can lead to utility disconnections and even homelessness For people who are frail or in poor health these problems are even more serious. Seniors, people living with disabilities or chronic illness, and children under 5 years old are particularly vulnerable to exposure to extremes of temperature. EnergyCare provides a range of direct, hands-on services designed to help these vulnerable groups to deal with energy related problems. We also have a program of public and client education that aims to help people understand how to stay safe from weather related hazards and conserve energy. Who We Serve • Residents of St. Louis City and County • Low-income households with persons who are elderly, disabled or chronically ill, and young children