More than 4,000 Cherokee elders in Oklahoma will qualify for utility assistance as the Cherokee Nation expands a program to ease household costs for those living on fixed incomes.
The increase raises assistance from $400 to $600, providing additional relief as everyday expenses remain high, 2 News Oklahoma reported.
Here's what to know
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced a $4.5 million investment in elder programs at the tribe's Elder Summit in Tahlequah on Wednesday.
The Elders in Need utility assistance program serves Cherokee people ages 60 and older. The expansion increases the number of eligible people from about 1,400 to more than 4,000.
Janet Brown, who lives in Porum, welcomed the prospect of additional support.
"The utilities that they're going to help pay us would be great because when you're on a fixed income it's rough," Brown told 2 News.
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More background
Beyond utility assistance, the investment supports the Cherokee Nation's Elder Nutrition Program, which offers nutritious meals to Cherokee elders ages 50 and older.
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Homebound participants can receive meal deliveries, with meals also available at community dining locations.
Everyday necessities are harder to access in Porum, Brown said.
"Our town, it seems like it's dying because the grocery stores are gone, they took our gas stations, so the community really needs this," she told 2 News.
A chance to socialize is another benefit of community dining locations.
Since basic necessities are expensive, Cherokee Nation leaders said the expanded services are meant to support elders' independence.
What's being done?
For older Native residents in Catoosa, Salina, Locust Grove, and Tahlequah, planned nutrition sites will add places to eat and socialize.
In Oaks, Foyil, and Porum, the Cherokee Nation plans to renovate existing dining facilities.
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Fixed incomes leave elders struggling to keep up with rising expenses, Hoskin told 2 News.
"There's nothing they can do when prices go up, so they need the help of friends and neighbors — or in this case, the Cherokee Nation," he said.
Where can I learn more?
Households elsewhere face similar pressure from utility costs.
• In Virginia, a monthlong application window offered heating help worth $600 to eligible households.
• Texas utility customers over 60 can request later bill due dates and avoid late fees.
• Oklahoma residents hauled water after bills reaching $11,000 triggered shutoffs.
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