The American Red Cross Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter will begin setting up interview appointments for Project SHARE (Service to Help Alabamians with Relief on Energy), the energy assistance program for low-income elderly or disabled individuals, on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.  Please be advised that appointments will only be taken on Mondays and Tuesdays (starting January 19, 2010) from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.  Residents in Mobile County can set up an appointment by calling (251) 436-7914 or (251) 436-7915.  Interviews will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning January 26, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

To qualify for assistance, the family income must be within certain guidelines depending on the size of the household.  In addition, the head of the household must be sixty-two years of age or older OR on Social Security/SSI/SSD.

As the organization responsible for administering Project SHARE funds, a trained Red Cross representative will interview applicants seeking financial assistance in paying their energy bill.  For those who qualify, payments will be made directly to the energy supplier.

Project SHARE was introduced in 1982 through an agreement between Alabama Power Company and the American Red Cross. Since 1984, the Alabama Gas Corporation and 24 other electric cooperatives and municipalities’ have joined the program.

Project SHARE is funded through voluntary pledges made by the customers of various energy suppliers. Please help those in need by donating to Project SHARE through your energy provider.

For more information regarding other programs offered by the Alabama Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross please contact (251) 438-2571 or visit www.redcrossalcoast.org.