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MAAC
Advocates on Behalf of Low-Income Utility Customers ---------------------------------------------------------------------- MAAC Advocates on Behalf of Low-Income Utility Customers Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) is involved in two efforts to assist low-income citizens with their utility bills--"Committee to Keep Missourians Warm" (CKMW) and National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN). MAAC participates in the CKMW as a representative of the needs of low-income citizens in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Other members of the CKMW represent utility companies operating in Missouri, government agencies such as the Office of Public Counsel and the Department of Natural Resources, social service agencies, and public-interest groups. The purpose of the committee is to advocate for protection of low-income customers who are vulnerable to loss of energy during critical times of the year, especially during extreme cold and extreme hot weather. The committee meets monthly in Jefferson City to hear and discuss the latest government funding and legislation that impact the availability of resources. Committee members offer comments and views representative of their constituents. The committee is currently concerned with the following issues:
Another way that MAAC advocates on behalf of low-income utility customers is through the efforts of the NFFN. NFFN is a national organization that promotes energy assistance funding programs, such as Kansas City's Dollar Aide, Energy Aid, and Neighbors Helping Neighbors programs. The members of this organization raise and distribute money for bill-payment assistance around the country. For more information about this organization, visit its Web site at www.nationalfuelfunds.org. MAAC Advocates for Social Service Providers MAAC represents social service providers in dealings with local, state, and national government and regulatory officials. MAAC helped mobilize emergency assistance agencies to oppose the City of Kansas City's licensing of food pantries. Social service agencies successfully blocked this costly and unnecessary requirement. MAAC represents low-income utility assistance providers on the Missouri Public Service Commission's Natural Gas task force, to recommend ways to avert future crises in home heating bill increases. MAAC Brings Public Attention to Issues Affecting Low-Income and Homeless Citizens MAAC is a source of information for local media and public policy makers. MAAC's ability to represent the broad interests of social service providers makes it an important resource for local radio, television and print media. MAAC serves on the Professional Cabinet of the Local Investment Commission and other task forces related to low-income issues. MAAC's Annual Statistical Report Information from more than 200 social service agencies is compiled in MAAC's Annual Statistical Report on Emergency Assistance and Homeless Services. Agency directors, program directors, public policy makers, and funders use this report to direct resources appropriately. Advocating for Homeless Services MAAC houses the independent 501(c)(3) Homeless Services Coalition and provides its administrative support. The Homeless Services Coalition is comprised of more than 80 social service agencies serving the broad needs of the area's homeless citizens. The Homeless Services Coalition has adopted MAACLink as the community's Homeless Management Information System for documenting services along the continuum of care.
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