Year-round, Integrated Family Community Services (IFCS) partners with Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) to support income-qualified Coloradans in paying past-due energy bills. In addition, EOC offers furnace repairs and energy-efficiency upgrades for homeowners and renters – a service IFCS does not assist with.
Energy is Essential
These services are important because high utility costs demand much of one’s resources. IFCS and EOC understand that covering one bill can make a big difference to a family. When families have affordable energy homes, children thrive, older adults age with dignity, and communities grow stronger.
Financial Assistance Manager, Kelly Vasquez, says, “Families often share that they’re struggling to keep up with higher utility costs, especially during colder months. Many are balancing other essential expenses like rent, food, or medical bills, so the assistance helps them avoid falling behind on payments or facing shutoffs.”
In the 2024-25 fiscal year (September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025), IFCS provided 220 households (totaling 661 individuals affected) with utility assistance.
To learn more about IFCS’ Utility Bill Payment Assistance program and eligibility criteria, visit THIS WEBPAGE.
Making Access Available
Dealing with past due energy bills is very stressful. For those who qualify, EOC offers financial assistance to keep one’s home heated. This immediate help is very valuable.
A community member who benefitted from energy assistance shared: “It was a gigantic help for us, knowing it was getting taken care of. I feel more relaxed. Thank you for everything.”
For ongoing assistance, EOC helps repair and replace heating systems. Access to solar energy is also available through community solar panel gardens. Participation for this is available for both homeowners and apartment residents.
Since its founding in 1989 EOC has provided Colorado residents with over $410 million in benefits. During 2025, 40,789 households were served.
Steve Schmid began volunteering with IFCS after he and his wife moved to Englewood from Ohio in June, 2025. He retired from a position which required him to analyze many projects, write reports and articles, and create engaging presentations. Now, he’s happy to contribute those skills in his Volunteer Core position at IFCS.
Thank you Steve!
