By Katie Knapp
Omaha, NE – The first annual Heartland Walk for Warmth is being called a success by its organizers. The Walk was held February first in downtown Omaha, with the goal of raising awareness about the need for utility assistance. The Salvation Army, United Way of the Midlands, and American Red Cross Heartland Chapter all sponsored the event.
The United Way says more than 700 people participated in the event, and they raised over $34,000 for utility assistance programs. Jamie Moore of the United Way says while the walk was successful, the need for utility assistance is great. She estimates that only about 15 percent of households that are eligible for utility help through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program actually receive assistance.
Utility assistance programs administered by OPPD, the Metropolitan Utilities District and Aquila each received $10,000.