JEFFERSON CITY — On Friday, State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, was appointed to the board of directors of “Heatupstlouis.org (Cooldownstlouis.org).”
“This is a great opportunity to work with a diverse group of people to improve the living conditions of our bi-state area needy families,” said Sen. Nasheed. “Affordability of energy costs is a continuing process. And managing utility bills is a high priority for many St. Louis area seniors and the disabled, particularly low-income families. A big part to achieving that goal is education — financial literacy, budgeting, and energy efficiency — something ‘Heat Up St. Louis’ heavily emphasizes.”
Founded in 2000, “Heat Up St. Louis” provides energy assistance in the form of education, funding, and advocacy to residents in Missouri and Illinois. And its summer project Cooldownstlouis.org distributes A/Cs to qualified seniors and the disabled. For example, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 350,000 seniors, disabled, and low-income families with their energy bills while informing utility ratepayers about the importance of being financially responsible and energy efficient.
The organization’s all-volunteer board of directors is comprised of leaders in the business, civic, religious, political, and media sectors. Each board member may serve on at least one of the board’s standing and ad-hoc committees, devoting time and effort to volunteering in Missouri and Illinois. Since its inception, more than 9,500 people have served as volunteers.
Praising the organization for its public education, utility assistance, volunteer and community outreach efforts, Sen. Nasheed said, “I am excited to work with the other board members and officers. They know the region well and understand the importance of making sure our needy families have the resources, voice, and advocacy they deserve.”