ComEd at the Heart of Community Support, Bridging Resources to Chicago Residents
August 6, 2024
For many families across northern Illinois, managing finances is becoming increasingly challenging. Rising living costs and limited incomes mean many residents may be struggling to make ends meet.
This summer, ComEd took part in Hope Fest, organized by New Life Covenant Northwest, at the church’s Belmont-Cragin location. The event was one in a series of community resource fairs ComEd has been involved in during 2024, building on the impact made by Powering Lives Resource Fairs in 2023, and furthering ComEd’s efforts to reach customers in need from every corner of the northern Illinois service region.
With over 380 attendees, this fest marks a significant milestone as the first event held in a predominantly Spanish-speaking neighborhood. ComEd bridged the language gap with three bilingual representatives and bilingual materials highlighting ComEd’s commitment to making vital information accessible in residents’ native language.
Linda Rhodes, Senior Manager of Customer Assistance & Advocacy at ComEd, highlighted the importance of these community initiatives. “Our commitment extends beyond providing utility services; it’s about working with local communities to identify the services that will have the most positive impact,” said Linda. “Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for our customers.”
Through partnerships with local organizations and a commitment to customer advocacy, ComEd is paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered future. By engaging with community leaders and providing essential resources, ComEd addresses the unique needs of diverse populations, ensuring that energy services are accessible to all. Their initiatives focus on energy savings, sustainability, and economic development, breaking down barriers and fostering community growth.
Omar Martinez, External Affairs Manager at ComEd, emphasized the significance of partnering with local organizations. “By partnering with local organizations like New Life Covenant Church, we are able to bring resources directly to the people who need them most, and in their language,” Omar stated. “This event is about more than just providing assistance; it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting the vibrant communities we serve.”
“We are thrilled to partner with ComEd to bring this resource fair to our community,” said Pastor Joshua Ponce of New Life Covenant Church. “This event is a testament to the power of community partnerships in creating positive change.”
ComEd’s involvement in the Belmont-Cragin’s Hope Fest is part of a broader effort to engage with diverse communities across northern Illinois—from Spanish to Mandarin and everything in between, ComEd is proud to power more than 50 languages in northern Illinois—dedicated to ensuring equitable access to resources for all its customers.
Building on the success of last year’s award-winning Powering Lives Resource Fairs—which helped connect thousands of customers to bill-assistance, energy-management programs, health screenings, job training and other support options—ComEd will continue to join community and business organizations in connecting thousands of income-eligible customers to bill assistance, energy management programs, health screenings, job training opportunities, and other support options. When last year’s fairs were recognized by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC), ComEd became one of only six electric utilities in the U.S. and Canada to receive a 2024 Best Practices Award!
Want to learn more about upcoming community resource fairs? Follow ComEd on Facebook, and X for additional resource fairs scheduled for 2024.
