LAS VEGAS, NV (Sept. 6, 2024) – After the success of four Project REACH Senior Expos, powered by NV Energy, across Las Vegas, United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN), in collaboration with NV Energy, Southwest Gas, and various community partners, have provided critical support to over 1748 households in Southern Nevada. During the Project REACH Senior Expos, the organizations distributed $462,035.59 in financial assistance for past-due electric, gas, water, and sewage bills.
Project REACH offers vital utility bill assistance and resources to seniors 62 and older, particularly those facing economic hardship. Funded by UWSN’s Emergency Assistance Fund and supported by the NV Energy Foundation, the program aims to enhance the well-being of seniors in the community.
In addition to these service providers, local organizations attended the expos to offer support and resources to seniors. These organizations included Cox Communications, Aetna, CenterWell, Las Vegas Valley Water District, HELP of Southern Nevada, and United Healthcare. Attendees also received free energy savings kits from PowerShift by NV Energy.
“We are thrilled to have come together to serve over a thousand seniors in need throughout the valley by providing essential utility bill assistance and community resources,” stated Samuel Rudd, UWSN COO & CFO. “This event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing sponsors, community partners, and volunteers. We are proud to contribute to the overall health and well-being of seniors in our community.”
“We are thankful for our partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada which allows us to serve our community and customers with a $500,000 gift from the NV Energy Foundation to provide financial assistance at the Senior Expo events,” shared Tony Sanchez, Executive Vice President of Business Development and External Relations at NV Energy. “We are also so appreciative of the over 60 NV Energy employees who volunteer at each event, year after year, to bring support to our local seniors—including connecting them to additional offerings such as our free major appliance replacement program and Expanded Solar Access Program.”
“For over a decade, Southwest Gas has welcomed the opportunity to participate in these utility assistance expos, allowing us to help senior members of the community maintain access to safe, reliable, natural gas service,” said Justin Brown, President of Southwest Gas Corporation. “We’re proud to have assisted 962 Southern Nevada seniors in paying their energy bills at this year’s expo and to have provided nearly $105,845 in assistance through our Energy Share program. We value our customer relationships and are pleased to join Project REACH and other expo participants in supporting a sustainable community.”
For those who could not attend the expos, assistance for past-due utility bills for local seniors through the Project REACH program is still available. Eligible individuals and households can apply for up to $300 in assistance once every 12 months by visiting uwsn.org/projectreach. Southwest Gas customers can visit www.swgas.com/en/energy-share to contact an Energy Share provider to determine eligibility. Individuals may receive up to $250 annually.
The Project REACH Senior Expos were sponsored by NV Energy, Southwest Gas, United Healthcare, Aetna, CenterWell, Cox Communications, Union Pacific, and Lamar Advertising.
To learn more about United Way of Southern Nevada, please visit https://uwsn.org/