Energy Assistance
During the winter, a household experienced a heating emergency when its furnace failed, forcing reliance on electric space heaters and resulting in increased utility costs.
TRI-CAP provided assistance through utility support and coordinated the replacement of the heating system, restoring safe and reliable heat.
The household reported improved safety, comfort, and affordability following the timely intervention.
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“To those who all helped to make it possible for me to receive my Energy Assistance Benefit, I want to thank you! It makes such a difference with my CenterPoint bill since rates have gone up.”
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“Thank you very,very much for your help in paying my gas and electric bill. You have no idea how much this really helps me. I have been struggling with all my bills including rent, phone, and utilities due to not being able to find work. So again, I just want to say thank you for your help.”
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“I am on a fixed income due to being a widow. I am so thankful for TRI-CAP’s Energy Assistance Program that helped me with paying for heating my home this winter, it was great help. Thank you for offering this program to help people stay warm.”
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When asked about their satisfaction with TRI-CAP Energy Assistance Services, clients shared:
- “You made my home warmer and safer.”
- “Mom lives in an old farmhouse, knowing she has gas to stay warm is a blessing!”
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“I’m very grateful for TRI-CAP’s Energy Assistance Program helping pay my electric bill. As a single mother, paying bills is a huge struggle, most months I have to decide which bills need to be paid now or can wait until next month. With the rising costs of groceries and other bills, feeding my children is a constant worry. The help of TRI-CAP’s Energy Assistance Program takes a weight off of my shoulders so I can get caught up on other bills. Without this program, I’m not sure how I would keep the heat and electric on for my children.”
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“Just wanted to say thank you for helping with my energy cost. I appreciate your help so much. I am able to take care of some home repairs that I never have money for.”
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“Thank you for keeping me warm through the winter. God bless you all.”
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“I want to thank TRI-CAP for their Energy Assistance Program. I appreciate the service very much. TRI-CAP helps many people and have improved lives in so many different ways. May God bless you all!”
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“I applied for help with my utilities through TRI-CAP’s Energy Assistance Program due to the fact I’m 79 years of age and I have COPD, asthma, and crippling arthritis. It’s impossible for me to work so I must depend on my social security for everything, which that just barely covers the essentials.
So, it is my heartfelt “thank you” that I extend to TRI-CAP for their assistance with my utilities during this winter season. Without it, this would be a miserable cold winter. It’s good to know that there is an organization like TRI-CAP that will extend a helping hand to old folks like me and others. You have my undying gratitude for your help!”
Housing & Personal Finance Services
After experiencing unexpected hardships—including health challenges, the loss of a family member, reduced work hours, and job loss—a local resident fell behind on rent.
Through TRI-CAP’s Emergency Funds, one month of rental assistance was provided, helping prevent homelessness and provide immediate stability. Today, full-time employment has been secured, and the journey toward long-term financial stability is underway.
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“I am a recent participant in the State of Indiana’s Individual Development Account (IDA) Program. Through the funds I managed to save, combined with the funds generously matched through my IDA account, I was able to purchase a vehicle.
The purchase of this asset will open up opportunities for employment and transportation both near and far. Enhanced employment opportunities will increase my quality of life and allow me to live the lifestyle I believe I deserve.
A big thank you to the sponsors of this program who helped make this asset purchase possible. My appreciation is extended to all those dedicated to assisting those disadvantaged in life. Thanks again to the IDA Program representatives. Best wishes to all.”
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“I am writing to share the significant and lasting impact that the IDA Program and TRI-CAP have had on my life, particularly in helping me build financial independence and prepare for my future career.
Through the IDA Program, I received financial counseling that fundamentally changed the way I manage money. I learned how to create and follow a budget, set realistic financial goals, and develop disciplined saving habits. These skills gave me clarity, structure, and confidence in my financial decisions—something I did not have before entering the program.
One of the most meaningful outcomes of my participation was the matched savings component, which allowed me to purchase a car outright. Owning a reliable vehicle has been life-changing. It has made me independent, dependable, and fully prepared to participate consistently in the workforce without the uncertainty of transportation barriers. This alone has increased my confidence and stability tremendously.
TRI-CAP’s support went beyond financial education. The staff provided guidance, encouragement, and accountability while treating me with respect and understanding. Their support helped me stay focused on my goals and reminded me that building independence is a process worth investing in.
Because of the IDA Program and TRI-CAP, I am now in a strong position to move forward with my career goals. I will be starting esthetician school in June, and I feel prepared—not only financially, but mentally and practically—to commit to my education and future profession. The tools I’ve gained through this program have laid a solid foundation for long-term success.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in a program that equips individuals with real-life skills and tangible support. The impact of TRI-CAP and the IDA Program will continue to shape my future in meaningful and lasting ways.”
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“I am proud to share how TRI-CAP’s Individual Development Account (IDA) Program changed my life.
I struggled with substance use from the age of thirteen and battled addiction for over a decade. In 2016, when I
became pregnant with my first daughter, I made the decision to get sober. By 2017, I was newly in recovery, a
young mother, and working part-time while living with my mother. That’s when I was introduced to TRI-CAP’s IDA
program.
The IDA program gave me the chance to save toward a future I never thought possible. TRI-CAP’s staff walked me
through every step, from building savings habits to completing financial literacy classes. At first, I doubted
myself. College and homeownership seemed completely out of reach for someone like me. But with their
encouragement and guidance, I started to dream bigger.
While in the program, I enrolled in school, eventually earning my Associate of Applied Science in Human Services
with a technical certificate in Addiction Studies, graduating magna cum laude. I went on to complete my Bachelor
of Social Work, also magna cum laude, and am now in a Master of Social Work program. TRI-CAP also supported
me as I faced another huge milestone—buying a home. With their help, I learned about mortgages, insurance,
and budgeting, and in June 2020, my husband and I purchased our first home. Today we have about $60,000 in
equity.
Our home has become more than just a house—it is the heart of our family life. It’s where friends and family
gather for celebrations, where my kids’ friends come for sleepovers, and where our door is always open. We love
cooking meals together, hosting cookouts, and filling our home with laughter and community. This is something I
once thought I’d never have, and now it’s the center of our lives.
Since purchasing our home and receiving my college degrees, I have spent several years working as a case
manager in a mental health and substance use agency, where I was able to give back by helping others pursue
housing and stability. I even reconnected with TRI-CAP to introduce many of my clients to the IDA program—the
same program that once helped me. Though I have since stepped back from direct practice to focus on graduate
school, that experience shaped me as both a professional and a person.
Today, I am over nine years in recovery (soon to celebrate 10 years in March 2026). I am a wife, a mother of two
healthy children, and a homeowner. I had a beautiful wedding, and my husband and I now enjoy a steady
income, reliable vehicles, and the stability we once only dreamed of. He is considering opening his own business
in the next few years! I have plans of becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and dreams of owning my
own practice as well.
Because of the IDA program, my family and I have stability, independence, and hope for the future. We are
raising our children in a safe and loving home, surrounded by opportunity. This program didn’t just help me
reach financial goals—it gave me the confidence and foundation to build a future I once thought impossible.
I am deeply grateful for TRI-CAP, for staff like Tammy and Justin, and for the funding that makes programs like
this possible. My story is living proof of the long-term impact these resources can have. I hope funding continues
so that countless other families can achieve the same stability and success.”
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“Thank you so much! You saved me! I am so grateful. I can’t explain to you how you have changed my life. My demeanor has changed by not being scared of being evicted all of the time. Thank you so much! I have been singing your organizations praises. I am such a happier person now without all that debt and fear weighing me down. You have all been such a blessing to me!”
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“I just wanted to take a second to thank you all for your help. We have been approved by the state to receive rent assistance with Indiana’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. It’s an absolute blessing and we couldn’t be more thankful. We appreciate all of your time in helping us with this and hope you can continue to do the same in helping others in the future. Thank you again.”
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A client who was three months past due on rent and facing eviction due to loss of employment reached out to TRI-CAP’s Housing Counseling Program. With the help of the Housing Program Team, the client completed rental, budget, and credit counseling including the creation of a crisis budget.
Funds secured from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program in Warrick County helped to bring this client’s rent current. The client was referred to WorkOne to help find and obtain employment and to the Indiana Emergency Rental Program for possible assistance with rent, electric, gas, and water utilities.
The client was very thankful for the help they received from the programs at TRI-CAP! The assistance the client received prevented them from being homeless and possibly living out of their car.
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A client reached out to TRI-CAP’s Housing Program when experiencing financial hardship after their spouse passed away earlier this year. With the reduction in income and a delay in accessing the spouse’s pension, keeping bills paid became a significant challenge. With support from a TRI-CAP Housing Assistance Specialist, the client qualified for help through the Indiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
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“Justin was my counselor and anytime I had questions he was there to answer them. The assistance helped. I lost my husband to cancer then COVID hit. It was a difficult time. I had extra medical bills and other expenses to cover. I wasn’t behind on my mortgage, but money was very tight. The assistance gave me breathing room.”
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“It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you for guiding me through the IDA process. We could not have done it without you and the program. I was able to replace a very out outdated fuse box and the money also helped with a new heating and air unit. I am very thankful for this program!”
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“We bought our first home in 2019 and in 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic happened. My husband lost his contracts as a truck driver when businesses closed. Being a nurse’s aide during the pandemic meant I had to self-quarantine several times. We were hurting financially to a point where we could not see the light at the end of the tunnel. I searched the internet for financial help in my state and that is when I saw a short application for Indiana’s Hardest Hit Fund. I was skeptical at first because I never thought someone would actually follow up with me after filling out the application. The day TRI-CAP’s Housing Counselor called and said there was hope and she could help me and my family save our home was heaven sent! That call to us was like an angel that could help us in a time of need. We would like to thank TRI-CAP’s Housing Counselor and Indiana’s Hardest Hit Fund Program for all of your help, support, and friendliness throughout this process, you certainly saved us!”
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“My husband had major back surgery and was off work for several months. Shortly after returning to work, the company he works for laid off thousands of employees and he was one of them. He looked for a job for several months and finally found one. We contacted TRI-CAP’s Housing Counselor and they did the paperwork with us and very quickly we were approved to get our mortgage caught up and paid current. The Hardest Hit Fund saved my family from losing our home. We are blessed and very thankful for this program and for TRI-CAP!”
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A TRI-CAP client purchased her first home using the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program. She completed her homebuyer’s education and financial literacy training as required by the program. She used her IDA savings goal for the closing cost on her home purchase. This client was very pleased that she had some funds remaining and was able to apply those funds to her principal balance on her loan.
Weatherization
Weatherization services were completed for the home of a single mother of three. She expressed her gratitude with the following statement:
“I truly won the lottery! It was an absolute blessing and I am beyond grateful. It’s so wonderful that this program is available because I don’t know what I would have done. Thank you so much for everything.”
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An elderly homeowner recently received weatherization services shortly after the loss of her husband. During a difficult time, the improvements to her home provided increased comfort and stability.
She expressed sincere gratitude for the team’s kindness and professionalism, noting how much she appreciated both the quality of the work and the respectful support she received.
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“I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for all of the new things that replaced the old. Also, Brian and Robert are very professional and very polite. Thank you very much.”
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“I want to thank everyone so much. TRI-CAP has a great bunch of people, hardworking, and very respectful. Again, thanks so much for helping me.”
~from a weatherization client
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TRI-CAP completed a weatherization project for an elderly woman and her daughter living in a mobile home. Prior to the upgrades, the home relied on a single window air conditioner that was unable to cool the entire space, forcing the daughter to sleep on the living room couch. Through TRI-CAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program, a new heat pump furnace and air conditioning system was installed. The new upgrades allowed the family to enjoy a safer, more energy-efficient, and comfortable home. The daughter can now sleep comfortably in her own bedroom.
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“My furnace stopped working while I was in the hospital recovering from a broken arm and wrist. Not long after, I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. What should have taken weeks turned into months as I waited for the furnace part the company had ordered. When it finally came in, it didn’t work and had to be returned and reordered.
During that time, I had to rely on five space heaters and close off all but three rooms in my home. My electric bill was enormous. I simply couldn’t afford it anymore, so I turned to TRI-CAP for help.
I contacted TRI-CAP’s Weatherization Program and they were an incredible help. If it weren’t for TRI-CAP, I would have had to sell my home or face freezing temperatures. I’m in my late 70’s and not in good enough health to move.
Because of the help I received from TRI-CAP, I got my furnace fixed and also received help with my utility bill from TRI-CAP’s housing program. Thank you TRI-CAP, and may God bless you.”
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“My house is much warmer and more comfortable.” The electric bill has already gone down $60.00 this month!
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“I just want to thank everyone involved. I could never have gotten a new furnace without the people at TRI-CAP. My furnace was replaced quickly, and the installers explained everything to me and made sure that I understood it all before they left. TRI-CAP’s staff was very professional and the whole process was easy. I don’t know what I would have done without them. TRI-CAP is a life saver!”
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“TRI-CAP’s Weatherization Services helped our family immensely! They helped us get a new air conditioner and furnace. This took the money burden off of our shoulders. TRI-CAP’s Weatherization crew was professional and polite.”
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“I am writing to tell the weatherization guys that came to Boonville, thank you. I was so surprised on all the work they completed on my home.
The crew leader did an excellent job on everything he did. He explained the things he had done and what I should expect from the work. He was kind and attentive. He even took time to talk to my four year old grandson! All my questions were answered. You should be proud to have such a good worker and person such as him.
So again, I want to thank each and every one of you for all the work you did to my house.”
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“My family and I wish to thank you and TRI-CAP for all the assistance you have given us the past six months. For the past twelve months I have seen a lot more downs than ups when it comes to life situations. Thanks to TRI-CAP and their programs, you were able to provide for us and we have been given some hope back in our lives! It has been a full year since I lost my job. I finally found a job at the beginning of August and then just three weeks later my husband became legally blind. With COVID and being unable to find employment, it wiped out our entire savings and 401K.
It is to the wonderful work of yourself and the backing TRI-CAP provides that allows people to reclaim their dignity and find hope again. Take care during this COVID Pandemic and we pray that you and everyone at TRI-CAP have a blessed Christmas!”
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“I received weatherization on my home through TRI-CAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program. I would like to thank everyone at TRI-CAP, especially the weatherization crew for changing my world! They were hard working, professional and courteous throughout the whole process. Thank you again for everything!”