Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) - Help Paying Utilities

The Special Assistance Fund for Emergencies (SAFE) provides utility bill assistance once a year to Northern Nevada residents facing financial hardship. Administered by United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS), SAFE complements state and federal energy aid programs by filling urgent financial gaps to help keep utilities on. Each individual is eligible to receive up to $500 per year. This program is made possible by the NV Energy Foundation.

UWNNS partners with SAFE Partners throughout Northern Nevada to provide access to this program. Individuals in need of assistance must meet with an identified SAFE Partner to apply for potential utility assistance. SAFE Partners are responsible for verifying eligibility of individuals and providing required documentation to UWNNS for final approval. Once eligibility is approved by UWNNS, funds will be paid directly to the participating utility company in the individuals’ name. A list of participating SAFE Partners and the participating utility companies is available below.

 

NV Energy Foundation

 

If you would like to donate to SAFE, go to our donation page and select "SAFE - Energy Assistance" from the dropdown under the "Would you like to designate your gift to a particular program?" question. 

To qualify for assistance, individuals must:

  • Be a customer of record with the utility company for which you are seeking assistance, e.g. NV Energy, Southwest Gas.
  • Utilities must be for the primary residence in Northern Nevada. Second homes or vacation homes are not eligible for support.
  • Have a utility bill that is past due.
  • Be experiencing a financial hardship that prohibits the ability to otherwise pay the utility bill.

What utilities are currently available? 

  • NV Energy (both electricity and gas) for individuals in Northern Nevada  

Contact a local SAFE Partner to begin the process. The SAFE case managers will discuss eligibility requirements and request submission of required documentation. Initial documentation includes:  

  • A copy of the most recent utility bill showing the amount due, account number, and due date.   

  • Individuals will be asked to show photo identification to verify identify and match to utility bill. 

  • SAFE Partners will work with individuals to complete required application forms. 

  • SAFE Partners may ask for additional information, including monthly expenses, to establish need. 

  • If an individual is eligible and funding is available, the SAFE Partner will then forward the application to UWNNS for review and potential payment to the utility company.  

Carson City, Lander County

Friends In Services Helping (FISH)

138 E. Long St. Carson City, NV 89706

775-882-3474

www.nvfish.com

 

Churchill County

Churchill County Social Services

485 W. B St. Ste. 105, Fallon, NV, 89406

775-423-6695

www.churchillcountynv.gov

 

Douglas County

Douglas County Social Services

2300 Meadow Lane Gardnerville, NV, 89410

775-782-9825

www.communityservices.douglascountynv.gov

 

Elko County

Elko County Human Services

571 Idaho St. Elko, NV, 89801

775-738-4375

www.elkocountynv.net

 

Lyon County

Lyon County Human Services

620 Lake Ave. Silver Springs, NV 89429

775-577-5009 ext. 3302

www.lyon-county.org

 

Mineral County

Consolidated Agencies of Human Services (CAHS)

924 5th Street, Hawthorne, NV, 89415

775-945-2471

www.cahsnv.org

 

Nye County

Nye County Health and Human Services

101 Radar Rd, Tonopah, NV, 89049

775-482-8125

www.nyecountynv.gov

 

Pershing County

Pershing County

398 Main St. Lovelock, NV 89419

775-273-220

www.pershingcountynv.gov

 

Storey County

Storey County Health and Community Services

100 Mill St. Virginia City, NV 89440

775-847-0957

www.storeycounty.org

 

Washoe County

Washoe County School District

1950 Villanova Dr, Reno, NV, 89502

775-204-1408 x 1 Sun Valley

775-204-1408 x 2 Reno/Sparks

775-204-1408 x 3 Central

775-204-1408 x 4 North Valleys

775-204-1408 x 5 Hug (Feemster)

www.washoeschools.net

If you are not eligible for the SAFE program, you may also consider contacting Nevada 211:  

  • Nevada 211 is a non-emergency number that is available 24/7 throughout the year, regardless of holidays or other closures. Nevada 211 is a statewide resource that can share with you any available resources in your area. 

  • You can also chat with Nevada 211 or download their app through the webpage

  • By visiting https://www.nevada211.org/ 

  • By texting 211  

  • By calling 2-1-1 or 1-866-535-5654