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Denise Stepto is the Chief Communications Officer of Energy Outreach Colorado headquartered in Denver. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter and learn more at energyoutreachcolorado.org.
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
Energy Outreach Colorado has been a leading expert on issues impacting low-income energy consumers for 30 years. Through strong public and private partnerships, the statewide nonprofit has raised and leveraged millions of dollars to reduce energy costs and usage for low-income Coloradans.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? WHY DOES THE WORLD NEED YOU?
We believe that everyone deserves to afford their home energy costs. No one should be forced to live without heat and electricity.
WHAT IMPACT ARE YOU MAKING?
We provide energy bill payment assistance, furnace repair and replacements, and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households in Colorado. We also prove energy efficiency services for nonprofits and multi-family buildings to help reduce energy costs so that rents remain low for residents, and nonprofits can afford to serve their participants.
WHAT (OR WHO) INSPIRES YOU TO MAKE THIS IMPACT?
We are inspired every day by our community members: families, seniors, veterans, teachers, and low wage earners.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION, YOUR BIG DREAM, FOR THE ORGANIZATION AND THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO MAKE?
Our vision is that all Coloradans can afford their energy needs.
WHAT RESOURCES DO YOU NEED TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE?
Unrestricted funding (beyond that provided through government programs) which allows us to address the needs of each household to reduce their energy costs through savings and ensure that they are living in a healthy and safe home.
WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING?
There are more people in need than we have funding and capacity to help.
WHAT WORDS OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER LEADERS LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?
Think big. Advocate. Be visible.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPORTANT WORK YOU’RE DOING?
The people we assist could be you. Life can take an unexpected turn and suddenly you have to make choices between paying a bill or buying food or medicine. It happens to people you would least expect it to and we want to be there to help.
HOW CAN OTHERS SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR CAUSE?
Donate! Often people don’t know where to turn for help. Look out for your neighbor and call us at 866-432-8435.
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