“We care, we support them, we’re here to help as much as we can.”
That’s the message that We Energies employee Robin Davis wanted to share with customers at the company’s most recent Community Resource Fair.
From behind a small table in the lobby of the Metro North Service Center, Davis greeted hundreds of customers with a smile, helping each find what they needed — whether it was assistance with their energy bills, access to community resources, or even free food and diapers, bagged and ready to take home.
“I grew up on the north side of Milwaukee, so I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen people who have been affected by the lack of resources, or just not even knowing what’s out there,” Davis explained. “It’s extremely important for us to be here today and to provide these opportunities to our customers within the community.”
We Energies care center employees answered questions about energy bills and set customers up with flexible payment plans. Representatives from Community Advocates were able to sign customers up for energy assistance. Outreach specialists from Focus on Energy shared information about free energy-saving kits and smart thermostat rebates.
“Everybody is facing affordability issues, and using less energy is one way you can lower your bills and keep them low,” said Brady Steigauf, community liaison manager for Focus on Energy. “We have so many resources available right now … we want people to know about them so they can get back on their feet.”
Impact 211 representatives shared resources for housing assistance, food insecurity and mental health care, while Just One More Ministry Inc. and Missionary Currie for Women and Children handed out free food, diapers and feminine hygiene products.
And for those looking for a job or a change in career, We Energies, Employ Milwaukee and Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) representatives were on hand to answer questions.
“Our students come straight from the city, from our communities,” said Rosy Lopez, college advisor for the manufacturing, construction and transportation pathway at MATC. “There are a lot of different opportunities to embark on if they choose to attend MATC.”
Almost every customer got the support they were looking for on-site, and the rest left with referrals in hand.
And We Energies employees were more than happy to help.
“I’m excited,” Davis said. “I’m glad we were able to reach so many people.”
For more information about available assistance, go to we-energies.com.