Sumter Item's Fund helps single woman find HVAC system failings for long-term efficiency
When winter wreaks its coldest months upon us, many assume their electric bills are supposed to be high and that there is nothing to be done about it.
The Sumter Item's annual Fireside Fund helps offer monetary support to clients at Sumter United Ministries so they can keep their heat on and receive assistance from the faith-based emergency services nonprofit.
Money donated in the fundraiser is given to the Crisis Relief Ministry at SUM, which uses it to support those in the community in need during the cold winter months. Usually dedicated each year to a different late member of the community whose philanthropic or public service benefitted Sumter, this year's Fireside Fund is in honor of all those who have died from COVID-19.
Kevin Howell, director at the Crisis Relief Ministry, said it is common to see clients who need assistance with a monthly electric bill that ranges between $300 and $450. In fact, he said, it happens almost daily during the coldest part of winter.
The ministry offers energy use evaluations to those who interview for assistance. Much can be learned from their bill, especially when comparing it between months and years.
"Recently, a 64-year-old lady needed help with a bill that was excessively high. She was overwhelmed by her need of such large resources just to continue to have electricity and, with that, heat in her home," Howell said.
The woman draws a small amount of Social Security and still works full-time, yet her income teeters around $1,200 a month.
She pays a mortgage and does not know how to detect an HVAC system malfunction.
"When an electric heat pump is not working efficiently, it does not simply stop working," Howell said. "It just continues to work with decreasing efficiency."
As he studied her bill, comparing usage from last winter to this winter, he noticed a sharp incline in usage since September that did not fluctuate with temperatures.
"We covered all the potential causes of energy usage problems with her, making sure she understood how to troubleshoot the cause," he said. "She left here knowing what she needs to do next. She does not have an adult child or spouse to help her. We filled that void."
While Howell and ministry staff routinely provide a spiritual voice of encouragement, in this situation they were also a practical voice for an energy solution.
"Advice alone was not enough, however. With her budget limitations and meager income, she had no way to pay the bill. Even if the bill was paid for February, the next final notice would still be overwhelming. We offered substantial financial assistance to get her in position to recover from her failing HVAC system to a point where she can manage the future bill," Howell said. "She was worthy of such help, and it was reassuring to know she will continue to have heat in her home. Your contributions to the Fireside Fund and support of Sumter United Ministries make this possible. Thank you!"
New donations as of Feb. 16: Charlie Pitts, in honor of Karen McEwen, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hamilton, in memory of Louise T. Gleaton, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hamilton, in memory of Margie P. Moss, $25; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hamilton, in memory of Mary S. Watkins, $25; Iris and Robert DuBose, $100; First Presbyterian Church / Presbyterian Women, $200; Philip and Barbara Finley, $100; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., $220; Widows and Widowers of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, $85; and Jim and Marsha Jones, in memory of Dr. Bob Wimberly, Helen Bruner and Hubert Osteen Jr., $2,400.