Small Change. Big Difference
EmPower Hamilton is a partnership between Hamilton Utilities, the Hamilton Community Foundation, the Salvation Army and Emergency Money Fund (EMF) to assist Hamilton customers in need of utility assistance. The program, which re-branded and relaunched in late 2016, accepts donations from the community and uses those funds to help local families who are experiencing job loss, illness, or other financial crises to keep the lights on. As of December 2019, 104 utility customers have signed up as recurring donors to the EmPower Hamilton program, and many others have chosen to round up their utility bills each month and donate the discrepancy to the program. EmPower also raises money through fundraisers such as the now Annual EmPower Hamilton Golf Outing, having booths at Operation Pumpkin and other events, and through special events for City employees. In 2019, EmPower Hamilton was able to give a total of $18,444.89 to the Salvation Army and Emergency Money Fund. Total donations to this fund as of January 31, 2019 is $50,336.64 .