Stories of Service: Energy Assistance Keeps Families Safe & Supported
Every day, families must make difficult financial choices because their limited income doesn’t cover the true cost of living in Hennepin County. Should I pay for heat and rent? Healthy food and medication? Childcare or electricity? Rising costs, stagnant wages, and unexpected expenses force these kinds of tradeoffs and can quickly create overwhelming situations for Hennepin County families.
Meet Shi
For nine years, Shi has worked at Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) as an Energy Assistance Program staff member. She helps residents navigate financial challenges and access the support they need to stay safe and stable. “I chose CAP-HC because I’m passionate about helping people overcome barriers,” Shi said. “I believe everyone deserves access to basic needs.”
CAP-HC’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps eligible households pay heating bills, avoid utility shutoffs, access emergency furnace repair or replacement, and improve energy efficiency. But beyond the financial assistance itself, the program often provides something equally important: relief during moments of crisis. “Families often come to EAP feeling stressed or overwhelmed, and this program gives relief, hope, and a sense that they’re not alone,” Shi shared. “Something so simple as keeping someone’s heat on can make a huge difference in their life.”
Shi sees firsthand how economic pressures affect people applying for assistance. She explained that “people seek this service because they are struggling to pay their bills,” and that “inflation has risen so much it’s hard to manage [finances], on top of reduced income and unexpected expenses.”
Meeting People Where They Are
Throughout the day, Shi helps clients complete applications, answers questions, reviews documents, and connects people to additional programs and resources. The work requires balancing efficiency with compassion, especially when clients are navigating stressful situations. “Overall, my day is focused on supporting clients, staying organized, and keeping things moving efficiently,” she summarized.
“It’s not just Energy Assistance, it’s protecting families, reducing stress, and giving people the chance to focus on moving forward instead of just surviving.”
—Shi, Energy Assistance Program Staff Member
For Shi, helping clients feel supported during overwhelming situations is one of the most important parts of her work. “EAP is important because it meets people in their most vulnerable moments and helps them stay warm and stable,” she said. “It’s not just Energy Assistance, it’s protecting families, reducing stress, and giving people the chance to focus on moving forward instead of just surviving.”
A Voice for Clients
Over the years, there have been many client interactions that have stayed with Shi. “I remember working with a client who was facing a shutoff in the winter and was really stressed about how she was going to keep the lights on because she just had a new baby and was not working,” she recalled. “We were able to provide assistance and additional resources so that her lights would not get turned off.”
Remembering this client’s story emphasized another important aspect of the work for Shi: advocacy. “Being a second voice for clients when dealing with other agencies helps them a lot, just knowing we care and will do what we can for them,” she explained. And because of Shi’s advocacy, this client “went from being unsure to feeling relief. Moments like that really show you how impactful this program can be,” Shi shared.
She added that there is often a burst of emotion when she’s able to advocate for clients , describing that they often go from “crying to smiling.”
Commemorating 40 Years of Service During Community Action Month
Community Action Month, celebrated each May, recognizes the work Community Action organizations across the country do to help people with low incomes stabilize and expand economic opportunity. This year also marks CAP-HC’s 40th Anniversary, commemorating four decades of helping Hennepin County residents meet immediate needs while building pathways toward long-term stability. EAP is one of CAP-HC’s longest running programs, and one of the largest programs of its kind in Minnesota.
Stories like Shi’s reflect the heart of Community Action: meeting people where they are, responding to immediate needs, and helping families move toward self-sufficiency and opportunity.
EAP funding is still available! If you need help with an overdue bill or disconnection, learn more about our Energy Assistance Program, including eligibility and how to apply. Hurry – applications must be received or postmarked by May 31.
Want to support this work?
Donate at caphennepin.org/donate in honor of Community Action Month. Your one-time or recurring gift in any amount ensures families have ongoing access to utilities and support navigating from crisis to stability.