By Emily Enfinger | The Selma Times-Journal

On Jan. 11, the Dallas County chapter of American Red Cross will be accepting applications for Project Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy (SHARE).

Project SHARE began in 1982 through an agreement between Alabama Power Company and the American Red Cross to provide emergency energy assistance to low-income elderly and disabled Alabamians during peak winter and summer months.

Charles Vasser, American Red Cross volunteer and application approver for Project SHARE, said there isn’t a deadline for the program but they will stop accepting applications when there are no longer the funds to help assist those in need. He said Project SHARE operates on a limited budget, being funded by small monthly pledge donations from the customers of Alabama Power Company, Alabama Gas Corporation and others by checking a box on their utility bill.

“It’s all funded by the people of Alabama,” Vasser said.

To qualify for the program, family income must meet certain guidelines depending on household size as well as the head of the household must be either 62 years of age or older and/or receiving a disability check.

Vasser said people who are interested in applying must call to make an appointment for an interview with a Red Cross representative.

“We then go through the paperwork, the financial paperwork, to make sure they can qualify,” Vasser said.

He said applicants must bring in their electric bill and proof of income. Payments will be made directly to the power company.

According to redcross.org, the program assisted 15,345 clients during fiscal year 2011-2012 with assistance payments totaling $1.2 million. The program currently assists families in 59 of the 67 Alabama counties.

Vasser said they assisted roughly 250 people in Dallas County in January 2015.

“We encourage everybody to donate to Project SHARE through their utility companies,” Vasser said. “If you have an extra or five and be willing to share it to those that are in need… check the box on your utility bill, because you never know when you might need it yourself.”

To set up an appointment, call the Project SHARE office at (334) 874-4641. For more information, visit www.redcross.org.