A program that gives local families and individuals a boost with their utility bill turns 20 this month.

The Salvation Army HeatShare program helps those with extenuating circumstances pay for utility bills when they are unable to do so.

Gov. Jesse Ventura proclaimed October "HeatShare Month" in honor of its 20th anniversary and a reception was held in its honor Oct. 10.

Lori Espe, volunteer and programs coordinator at the Salvation Army, said the HeatShare helps two to 10 households in Mower County with this program to pay for heating bills.

The Salvation Army interviews people requesting help with their utility bill to determine if they qualify for this program. The people it helps usually are customers that have been good about paying bills, but because of an extenuating circumstance, such as job loss or a family member leaving, they are unable to.

"We want to make sure people genuinely need the help," Espe said.

Their circumstance must be verified and a household is only able to use the program once every 12 months.

The program is funded by tax deductible donations from utility customers. Local residents are able to help with the fund by checking the fuel fund donation option on their utility bill. Austin Utilities then puts the money in a Salvation Army fund set aside for Mower County.

"Everything is used in Mower County," Espe said of the money local residents donate.

The Salvation Army pays up to $300 of a bill. If the bill is less than $300, the household needs to pay 3 percent of the total. They also must show they are able to pay 3 percent of it, Espe said.

The Salvation Army also is looking into ways it can educate those who use HeatShare about conserving energy. Espe is working on a program where she would give mini-session with each household about managing a budget and keeping utility bills low.

She said this would be especially helpful for those who seek help for bills every year.

"We're trying to help solve the problem," Espe said.

Espe said a wide range of people use the services from families to individuals living alone.

"It doesn't discriminate against people without children," Espe said. "Even those without children need to be taken care of."

Statewide the HeatShare program served 3,224 households last year using $1.1 million in utility assistance, according to the Salvation Army.