Providing energy assistance and safety to St. Louis’ most vulnerable since 1983.
Since 1983, EnergyCare has been a lifeline for vulnerable, low-income individuals in St. Louis, providing safety and comfort from extreme temperatures. Our mission is simple yet vital: to promote healthier, safer home environments and independent living by delivering year-round energy-related services to low-income households with elderly, disabled, chronically ill individuals, and young children.
Our Mission
EnergyCare is dedicated to creating safer, healthier homes for those in need. We provide essential energy-related services to St. Louis communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations—especially seniors, disabled individuals, and families with young children—can live independently and safely, no matter the season.
Our History
EnergyCare was born out of compassion and necessity. In 1983, Sister Patricia Ann Kelley, CCVI, founded the organization after witnessing the devastating toll of a deadly heatwave in 1980 and a brutal blizzard in 1982. These events claimed the lives of many vulnerable St. Louisans, inspiring Sister Pat to dedicate her life to protecting the poor and elderly from the dangers of extreme weather.
Though Sister Pat passed away before seeing the full impact of her work, her legacy lives on. As Tim O’Dea, our Executive Director, explains, “Comfort isn’t the only consideration. It’s about people’s health and safety.” Over the past decade alone, EnergyCare has served over 33,000 individuals in St. Louis City and County, continuing Sister Pat’s mission to save lives and promote dignity.
Our Clients
Our clients are often long-time residents of their homes who, due to retirement, disability, or chronic illness, struggle to maintain basic home repairs. These small issues can lead to significant energy inefficiencies, creating an overwhelming energy burden.
In St. Louis, the poorest households spend an average of 12% of their income on utility bills—double the percentage spent by wealthier households. This disparity is growing as utility rates rise, making our work more critical than ever. High energy costs can lead to homelessness, especially for seniors, where the loss of independence can severely impact mental and physical health. Extreme temperatures pose additional risks for those over 60 or with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. EnergyCare’s programs are designed to help these individuals live healthy, independent lives for as long as possible.
Our Programs
EnergyCare provides year-round assistance to ensure safety and comfort for our clients:
Winter Services:
Distributing blankets, electric blankets, and heaters to those without adequate heating.
Weatherizing homes to block drafts and conserve warmth, reducing energy use.
Arranging emergency furnace repairs for senior homeowners.
Summer Services:
Providing energy-efficient window air conditioners to vulnerable individuals.
Year-Round Services:
Improving home insulation for better energy efficiency.
Offering emergency utility assistance to prevent shut-offs.
Conducting Home Energy Audits to help clients manage utility costs and maintain independence.
Our Funding
EnergyCare’s work is made possible through the generosity of individual donors, private foundations, and government grants. While federal programs fund much of our utility assistance, these funds often come with restrictions. Your contributions allow us to go beyond these limitations, helping more people and providing critical services like air conditioners and heaters. Every donation makes a difference, saving lives one degree at a time.
Get Involved
Volunteer Opportunities:
Join us in making a difference! Volunteers can help weatherize homes, prepare weatherization kits, and lead community efforts to improve energy efficiency.
Donate Today:
Your support helps us provide life-saving services to those in need. From installing air conditioners to distributing blankets, every contribution brings comfort and safety to our clients.
At EnergyCare, we believe that no one should have to choose between their health and their utility bills. Together, we can create a safer, healthier community for everyone.
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