What is Project REACH?

The UWSN Emergency Assistance Fund provides emergency food, housing, and utility assistance through Project REACH to low-income older adults in Southern Nevada. This application is for utility assistance only. The program is designed to help older adults (age 62+) who meet the income eligibility guidelines below and are experiencing economic hardship.

Table. Income eligibility guidelines for utility, rent, and mortgage assistance. 

*Link to Federal Poverty Guidelines: https://aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines 

How to Apply for Assistance

Project REACH assistance is delivered through a network of local nonprofit organizations and a series of summertime Senior Assistance Expos. 

Partnering agencies accept applications and supporting documentation from individuals requesting assistance. At agency sites, each applicant is matched with a Case Manager who determines eligibility and, if appropriate, applies for assistance on behalf of the client through this web-based portal. 

After an application is submitted, it is screened by UWSN to ensure that all documentation is correct, that the application is fully complete, and that the applicant has not received prior assistance through Project REACH in the last year. Once approval is received, the agency and applicant receive notification and payment is processed.  

Customers must apply directly at one of the United Way partner agencies to receive assistance. Current United Way partner agencies include:

Required Documentation
All applicants should have a form of Nevada ID when applying for assistance. Applicant must provide proof of eligibility and a copy of their utility bill when requesting assistance. Applicants are responsible for payment of any amount that exceeds the assistance provided by the program. If an applicant receives assistance and has an unpaid balance remaining, they must contact their utility provider immediately to make payment arrangements. Financial assistance is paid directly to the utility for credit to the applicant’s account.

Required supporting documentation includes:

• Completed Project REACH/EACN Application
• Photo Identification (must match the name on the NV Energy account)
• Copy of the most recent NV Energy Bill, SW Gas 
• Proof of income / Proof of lack of income (the list below is not exhaustive)
  • Letter from DETR
  • Letter from employer
  • Series of paystubs (at least 2)
  • Social Security/Disability income statement

For More Information
Please contact United Way of Southern Nevada at commdev1@uwsn.org