The Salvation Army USA review: The Salvation Army of the Palm Beaches

I contacted The Salvation Army of the Palm Beaches for assistance with my utility bill because I have been unemployed since December. As a single mother of two disabled children who require 24-hour care, I have worked all my life. This is the first time I have reached out to this organization for help.

When I called in March, a social worker named Christian informed me that I was ineligible for assistance because I received help from Care to Share in April 2024. She explained that the system isn't set up to provide help multiple times. Since my situation had changed, I reached out again after the eligibility date in April to see if I might qualify for assistance now. Unfortunately, she reiterated that I can only receive help from Care to Share through FPL once a year.

However, I did my own research and spoke with a representative from FPL, who confirmed that one can receive assistance once per calendar year. Christian continued to insist that the funds are not available for repeat assistance, making it seem as though I was abusing the system. I find this attitude troubling; you never know what someone is going through at that moment.

Instead of judging individuals as if they are misusing resources, it would be better to understand their background first. I expressed to her that it seems like the organization helps only those they choose, often overlooking individuals in genuine need. Sometimes, help is provided to those who are truly taking advantage of the system.

I believe it's important to take the time to assist people in critical situations. As someone who frequently donates to various organizations, I have learned that seeking help can sometimes feel like a struggle with organizations that are supposed to assist in times of need. Lesson learned!

Below are the requirements and policy directly from FPL website:

FPL Care to Share Program
This is funded by donations from businesses, charities, customers, and FPL The program was created to provide emergency financial assistance (grants and hardship funds) to help customers pay their bills if they are faced with an unexpected crisis. The service is run at the local level, and it is managed by local government agencies and nonprofits such as the Salvation Army, community action or government offices that qualify customers based on criteria established by Florida Power and Light. Locate community action near you in FL.

Each agency that manages the program at the local level decides who gets funds for paying electric bills and who doesn’t. The non-profits in general use the program eligibility guidelines, but each agency may decide, on their own, to add additional criteria, based on availability of funding, volume of applicants or other factors. Funds are very limited and demand is high. Priority for FPL money is given to senior citizens, the disabled or to households with children under 10 years old.
In total, the Care to Share program from FPL can provide hundreds of dollars that can be used to pay for electric and utility bills. It can also be used to pay for air conditioning, or to fix a unit too. People can apply at most once per year. Some exceptions can be made from time to time under special conditions.
In order to get financial assistance from the Care to Share program, several conditions need to be met. They include:
Budgeting tools
The customer must be able to provide proof of a personal or family crisis, they need to be behind on paying their bills and have a disconnect notice or final notice.

They must have a plan to pay future electric bills as the help provided is only for a defined period of time.
Applicants need to have applied for and used all other utility bill assistance programs, including both government and private resources. So the Care to Share program that is available for FPL customers is meant to serve as a last resort.
A family emergency needs to be in effect, and the household must show proof of the financial hardship and show why they are falling behind on paying bills.
Certain low-income levels need to be met.
To apply for this crisis program, you can dial Florida Power

I hope this can be a help to somebody else!