The Cleveland nonprofit CHN Housing Partners says more people have applied for financial assistance with utility bills in recent years.Laurie Leverette, director of utilities and emergency services, said rising utility costs are driving more people to the nonprofit for the first time to seek help. There always has been a significant need, though, because of the city’s high poverty rate.
James Harris of Cleveland Heights and his 10 children lost their wife and mother Narleen Moore to cancer last November and then earlier this year the family also lost their gas and electric service after getting behind on their bill.