CareSource Grant Expands Utility Assistance

Published On: December 17th, 2025

Miami Valley Community Action Partnership (MVCAP) has been awarded a $100,000 CareSource Foundation Signature Grant to expand access to Utility Assistance for older adults and vulnerable households across Montgomery, Greene, Darke, and Preble Counties.

The award restores critical program capacity by partially funding two positions that directly support seniors and vulnerable households.

Utility insecurity continues to rise, especially among older adults. In 2024, MVCAP served 12,741 households, with seniors comprising nearly 40 percent of clients in Montgomery County. Thirty percent of Home Energy Assistance Program applications originate in West Dayton, reflecting deep need and persistent disparities.

“State and federal utility assistance funding has decreased by 18 percent in recent years, even as demand has surged,” said MVCAP President and CEO Erin Jeffries. “These roles will reduce backlogs, shorten wait times and make it easier for seniors – especially those with mobility or transportation challenges – to access assistance.”

MVCAP will hire a Utility Assistance Specialist to manage intake, eligibility, and application processing while conducting on-site services at senior centers, housing sites and West Dayton hubs.

An additional Utility Assistance Client Support Representative will provide application assistance, answer questions and connect clients to additional services.

Jeffries said the grant will enable MVCAP to serve 300 additional seniors between Dec. 1, 2025 and Nov. 30, 2026. MVCAP will also integrate MyCare – which CareSource is launching in 2026 – education and referrals into Utility Assistance outreach.

“MVCAP is already the most referred Community Action Agency for CareSource members, positioning this partnership for strong impact,” Jeffries said, adding that the grant will also leverage other strong existing relationships with the Area Agency on Aging, Veterans Service Commission, senior housing providers, local utilities, county Job and Family Services offices.