CINCINNATI - The Duke Energy Foundation today awarded five grants totaling nearly $25,000 to help Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati agencies with food and shelter needs.
"The increased demand for assistance during the holidays can pose a significant challenge for local agencies," said Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "Through this funding, we're hoping to enable these valued organizations to reach more people in need.
"Duke Energy has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve. In 2021, we provided $2 million in grants to support education, workforce development, urban revitalization and the environment - all in an effort to support a vibrant economy. These assistance grants are no exception; supporting the underserved community is critical for Duke Energy in our efforts to build a vibrant local economy."
Some of the agencies said this additional funding couldn't have come at a better time.
"Supporting the most vulnerable is a critical task in maintaining the vibrancy of our communities. With Duke Energy's generous gift, we will be able to serve many residents of Cincinnati during a time when the need is at its peak. This support speaks volumes for the focus Duke Energy has on the communities it serves. We're pleased to be able to help those with food, clothing, nutrition and cooking counseling, and much more," said Christine M. Schuermann, executive director, St. Francis Seraph Ministries.
"As winter sets in, the need of the vulnerable in our community increases. With that, we're grateful to have Duke Energy provide support. No doubt, this is a generous gesture that will serve many," said Laura Dumancic, executive director & co-founder, Go Pantry.
The Emergency Shelter of NKY is relocating to its new facility in Covington and was happy to hear from Duke Energy about this holiday gift.
"As winter sets in, the need for a safe space to escape the cold becomes paramount to those in our community without a place to call home," said Kim Webb, executive director of the Emergency Shelter of NKY. "We are grateful for the support of Duke Energy, which allows us to continue our mission of providing safe sleeping spaces for those in need while also helping them work toward achieving housing, income and a healthy life within the community."
Grant Recipients
- St. Francis Seraph - $9,895 to help restock food bank and assist clients.
- Go Pantry - $5,000 to support the Go Bags Weekend Backpack Program.
- Welcome House - $5,000 to assist individuals obtain housing stability.
- Emergency Shelter of NKY - $5,000 to help shelter patrons in need 24/7.
Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to about 860,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to approximately 538,000 customers in a 2,650 square-mile service area.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.
Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities - with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Media contact: Sally Thelen
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