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Keep the lights on: 3News launches new campaign to raise money for those facing utility shutoffs

3News is teaming up with CHN Housing Partners for the fundraising effort. Here's how you can get involved to help.

CLEVELAND — ‘Keep the Lights on CLE’ is a campaign between wkyc studios and CHN Housing Partners to raise money for those in our community facing utility shutoffs.

You can go to www.KeepTheLightsOnCLE.org to donate to the campaign. Every nickel raised will go to Northeast Ohioans facing utility shutoffs.

Spearheading this effort is 3News Investigator Rachel Polansky, who has met with several residents living every day under the threat of mounting utility bills and shutoffs.

"What’s in my hand is bills that are surely getting ready to shut off," said Terrance Dewalt as he flips through electric, water and sewer bills. When asked about his biggest fear, Dewalt responded, "That I might freeze to death because they’re gonna cut my power off."

RELATED: Neighbor steps in to help Cleveland veteran struggling to pay his utility bills

"I wake up every day thinking, is this the day that the worst could happen?" asked Jennifer Toth. Disabled for 16 years with lupus, her social security income is fixed. Her days of worry are not. 

“In the beginning of COVID-19, it changed everything for me. Basic needs, the costs went astronomically high, so the limited income I was already on was getting more limited.”

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FAQs:

Q: How will people get the money that I’m donating?

A: The money will go directly to the utility provider -- not the person -- so you know your money is going to pay someone's utility bill.

Q: Who will get the money that I am donating?

A: Northeast Ohioans who cannot access other sources of assistance through existing programs. CHN Housing Partners will vet applicants, ensuring that only those truly in need are getting help.

Q: How long will the campaign last?

A: The month-long campaign ends on March 22.

Q: Where can I donate?

A: Go to www.KeepTheLightsOnCLE.org to make a tax-deductible donation.

RELATED: Utility disconnections loom for some in Northeast Ohio: How you can get help

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