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Columbia Gas,
Toledo Edison and the City of Toledo Provide COVID-19 Relief
to Toledo Congregations
Columbia Gas, Toledo
Edison, and the City of Toledo Department of Utilities last
week announced that the three organizations are collectively
providing specific relief to local parishes and religious
organizations who have been especially hard hit by COVID-19.
To assist Toledo’s faith
community, the three utilities have:
·
Suspended turn off for non-payment through the pandemic
·
Suspended late fees through the pandemic
·
Agreed to expand repayment options in response to the
pandemic
·
Agreed to appoint a primary contact for religious
congregations for further detail and to address concerns
“We are grateful to
Columbia Gas, Toledo Edison, and the City of Toledo for
their support during these trying times,” said Rev. Donald
Perryman, Ph.D., of the Center of Hope. “Toledo’s faith
community provides emotional support, social services, and
tangible assistance and we are being called on now more than
ever. Thank you to these utilities for recognizing the role
we play.”
Without intervention many
congregations would have been forced to permanently shut
their doors, leaving tangible needs unmet. Suspending
in-person worship has had a catastrophic economic impact.
Many churches have lost the weekly donations-even if
small-that sustains them and help pay their bills—most
notably their utility bills.
“The utilities have said
that the earlier they know about an issue, the easier it is
for them to help. I urge our community to ‘help them help
us’ by being proactive in seeking assistance,” said Rev.
Perryman.
Primary contacts are:
·
City of Toledo Department of Public Utilities: Jennifer
Jaqua (419) 245-1888
·
Columbia Gas of Ohio: Cheri Pastula (419) 266-5623
·
Toledo Edison: Margaret Adams (419) 392-0481
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