Local church raises over $600,000 to pay off utility disconnections for Columbia families
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Crossing Church raised $674,121 during a two-week giving campaign for Columbia resident utility disconnections which started on Easter morning.
According to a release from The Crossing, the funds will pay off the utility debt of over 500 local families.
Out of the $674,121 raised, $202,774.26 will completely erase the utility disconnect list and $197,225.74 will pay off utility debt of residents who are one step away from being disconnected. The rest of the $274,121 raised, "will give long term care to people in similar situations through Love Columbia."
The Crossing Church's Pastor, Keith Simon asked parishioners on Easter to donate to help local families in need to help them pay off utility bills.
“As of 2 days ago, there were 536 families on the cities list to disconnect their utilities," Simon said. "That’s a list you don’t want to be on. I’m asking if we can raise $400,000 today to pay off that utility debt, give those families a fresh start, and help others in similar situation.”
The Crossing's original goal for the campaign was $400,000. The goal was exceeded by $274,121.
Individuals who wanted to donate were able to text a number on their phones and according to a release, "100% of the donations went toward paying off utility debt or helping others in similar situations."
The donation total was announced on Sunday and Pastor Simon said he is grateful to be a part of such a great organization.
"I’m thankful to be a part of a church that demonstrates generosity and love toward people in our community who are struggling and often overlooked,” Simon said. “This money will go help people we know and don’t know. We don’t expect anything back from. We are paying off the debt of black and white, citizen and immigrant, men and women, progressives and conservatives, straight and LGBTQ, atheists, Muslims, and Christians."
Lori Benson, the Regional Community Relations Director for the Columbia and Jefferson City area The Salvation Army said she's seen an increased need for utility assistance since the start of the pandemic.
"Since probably mid-last year to the end of the year last year was definitely an uptick, especially with the pandemic," Benson said.
Benson said this donation for utility connections "is amazing" and will be very helpful to the community because "the need [for utility assistance] is there."
According to Simon, the donations will be sent to the city sometime this week to pay off disconnections.
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