
Mother Nature showed us here in Indiana winter was coming with that cold blast a few weeks ago! Only days before Christmas we were all battling -18 degrees, snow flying in our face, and the reality that our heating bills are going way up. No wonder we need programs like the Utility Assistance Program of Wayne County and Union County.
What is the Utility Assistance Program?
Unfortunately, the need in our community has increased for low-income families. Over the last few years prices of gas, groceries, and utility bills have increased. The Utility Assistance Program of Wayne County and Union County is a program that enables people to give the gift of warmth to local families. The money set aside can only be used to help local low-income residents of Wayne or Union Counites in Indiana pay their utility bills.
Essentially, this program helps to keep the heat on for seniors, parents, kids, and pets!

Can I Give Directly To The Trustee’s Office?
We fundraise by leveraging our vast network of individual donors to support this vital cause. Additionally, we can match the money raised through our matching sponsor Better Homes and Gardens First Realty Group. So, our network and partnerships allow us to be better equipped to maximize your donations.
How Long Is The Campaign?
Our 2023 Utility Assistance Program Cause Campaign runs from January 17th through March 31st.
How Do I Give?
Donate to the Friend to Friend Utility Assistance Fund today and help families stay warm this winter.
- Make an online donation here
- Text GIVEWARMTH23 to 91999
- Checks payable to United Way Whitewater Valley for Friend to Friend Assistance Fund. Then send it to 129 S 9th St, Richmond, IN 47374

How Do I Know The Money I’m Giving Goes To the Utility Assistance Program?
To ensure the funds are only used for this purpose we have the Friend to Friend Utility Assistance Fund, which means the money is “restricted” to only the Utility Assistance Program of Wayne County and Union County. 100% of donations collected for this fund help qualified residents in need of assistance to reduce their utility bills during the coldest winter months.
Every donation to the Friend to Friend Utility Assistance Fund will be matched up to $5,000.00. That’s right! Our matching sponsor Better Homes and Gardens First Realty Group will match every dollar.
How To Apply for the Utility Assistance Program in Wayne County or Union County Indiana
The county trustee office provides assistance to low-income households who are not able to provide for their basic needs. (Such as rent or mortgage payment, utilities, food, personal items, or medicine). They provide direct assistance as well as many referrals to other agencies’ programs to which the applicant household may be eligible.
Whether you live in Wayne or Union County Indiana, contact the Wayne County Trustee’s office at 401 East Main Street, Richmond IN. For more information on other Wayne Township Trustee functions and responsibilities, visit their website at https://www.waynetownshiptrustee.com/
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WHITEWATER VALLEY
Join us in our fight for the health, education and financial stability of everyone in Wayne and Union counties by donating today. There is a lot of work to be done which means we need your help to make positive changes in our community.
Get to know more about our program partners working in our four focus areas: childhood success, youth success, economic mobility, and access to health. Read more about their stories here, or sign up for our newsletter to learn more about what we do at United Way of Whitewater Valley.