Tulsa Nonprofit Helping Oklahomans Pay Utility Bills Seeing Surge In In Requested Assistance

A Tulsa nonprofit dedicated to assisting people with their utility bills has seen a large influx of requests for help so far this summer, organizers say.

Neighbors Along The Line is a social services agency created to help residents of northwest Tulsa meet basic needs, and has been in the community for more than 47 years.

The organization’s assistant director, Stephanie Hester-Rodriguez, said they provide support and opportunities for increased independence and self-sufficiency.

Hester-Rodriguez said this is achieved through their family support programs, which include holiday assistance, life skills classes and a program for utility assistance.

The utility assistance program helps pay for gas and electric bills for people living in the 74127 ZIP code. To qualify, residents must have a utility cutoff notice and a bill for the current month.

However, Hester-Rodriguez said her organization cannot help everyone who applies due to limited funds, and can only help with bills until the program's funds run out. For August, Hester-Rodriguez said the funds only lasted three days.

“To be able to be in our homes and be comfortable is something I think everyone deserves,” Hester-Rodriguez said. “If you’ve never sat in a home in the middle of Oklahoma without [air conditioning] you should try it sometime to have a little bit of compassion.”

To set up future appointments with Neighbors Along The Line, call (918) 584-1111.