Columbia Gas, Toledo Edison and the City of Toledo Provide COVID-19 Relief to Toledo Congregations

Sojourner’s Truth

Columbia Gas, Toledo Edison, and the City of Toledo Department of Utilities last week announced that the three organizations are collectively providing specific relief to local parishes and religious organizations who have been especially hard hit by COVID-19.

To assist Toledo’s faith community, the three utilities have:

  • Suspended turn off for non-payment through the pandemic
  • Suspended late fees through the pandemic
  • Agreed to expand repayment options in response to the pandemic
  • Agreed to appoint a primary contact for religious congregations for further detail and to address concerns

“We are grateful to Columbia Gas, Toledo Edison, and the City of Toledo for their support during these trying times,” said Rev. Donald Perryman, Ph.D., of the Center of Hope.  “Toledo’s faith community provides emotional support, social services, and tangible assistance and we are being called on now more than ever.  Thank you to these utilities for recognizing the role we play.”

Without intervention many congregations would have been forced to permanently shut their doors, leaving tangible needs unmet. Suspending in-person worship has had a catastrophic economic impact. Many churches have lost the weekly donations-even if small-that sustains them and help pay their bills—most notably their utility bills.

“The utilities have said that the earlier they know about an issue, the easier it is for them to help.  I urge our community to ‘help them help us’ by being proactive in seeking assistance,” said Rev. Perryman.

Primary contacts are: