A unique coalition of the major natural gas companies of southwestern Pennsylvania — Equitable Resources, Dominion Resources, Columbia Gas and T.W. Phillips — has joined The Salvation Army, Conservation Consultants Inc., Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers and Plumbers’ Union locals to provide, and where possible install, hot water heaters for residents who lost theirs in the recent flooding caused by parts of Hurricane Ivan, which raged through western Pennsylvania last week.

The 40 gallon gas-fired hot water heaters will be supplied for “customers throughout southwestern Pennsylvania who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline,” said Dave Spigelmyer, spokesman for Equitable Resources. “We have joined forces today in a unique coalition to do our part to help our customers, our friends and neighbors who have been impacted by the recent flooding and rising waters.”

The program started Thursday and will run through noon Friday, Oct. 8 or until available funds are exhausted. The coalition has raised $170,000.

The one-time program will be administered through the Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army and will support flood victims throughout the 10-county region, including Allegheny, Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Westmoreland, Indiana, Fayette, Greene and Washington. Flood victims that have income levels that fall below $3,150/month can apply through The Salvation Army to receive a voucher for a 40-gallon gas-fired water heater available at all area Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers.

Members of several plumbers unions have agreed to provide volunteer labor to assist as many of the flood victims as possible in installing the new equipment.

Applications for water heaters can be made at selected southwestern Pennsylvania Worship and Service Centers throughout the region. These will be listed on The Salvation Army website at https://www.salvationarmy-wpa.org . Additional information on filing an application will be available from gas utility workers in the communities ravaged by Hurricane Ivan, through the local media, The Salvation Army’s Major Deborah Sedlar at 412-394-4889 or its canteens (feeding stations) that will be circulating throughout areas hardest hit. Recipients may also contact their local State Legislator’s office.

“Right now, the demand on our organization is extreme,” stated Lt. Colonel Joseph DeMichael, The Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander. “Hundreds of families have come to us for help.” DeMichael explained, “We are currently providing about $200,000 per day in assistance. It is difficult to keep up with the demand, but these people really need our help. This collaborative effort will enable us to provide disaster victims with vital services. We are deeply grateful for this very generous support.”

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