The Help Office of Owensboro plays a crucial role in the fabric of Daviess County, Ky., by addressing various social and community needs. The Help Office stands as a leader in the fight against hunger and homelessness with a mission to serve the less fortunate by providing the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, and emergency assistance for expenses such as rent and utilities. This labor of love includes initiatives that aim to uplift the individuals and families who walk through their doors by compassionately assessing the unique needs and circumstances of each neighbor in order to provide immediate relief through their vast network of programs. 

In 1972, a group of churches, laypeople, and clergy founded a Christian organization called Help Office of Owensboro, Inc. This nonprofit cooperative casts a vision to provide meaningful support and assistance to the least fortunate in a compassionate manner. An agreement was made for churches in Daviess County to finance the organization and provide volunteers. Throughout the years, due to the sensational work of the Help Office, the generosity of those donating funds has grown to include churches, schools, individuals, grants, and foundations within the community. By giving families not just a helping hand but also empowering them to rise above their immediate crisis, the Help Office is building a stronger and healthier community through hope, encouragement, and stability. 

Continuously applying a servant's heart to their endeavors, the Help Office is proud to offer the following programs: 

• Food Pantry – Healthy foods estimated to last five days or longer are provided to families. 

• Financial Assistance – Support is available for rent, utilities, and prescription medication, among other necessities. 

• Clothing Closet – Clothing, shoes, and household items like sheets, towels, and cookware are provided for those moving into a home. Supplies are also available for the unhoused including backpacks, food, and blankets. 

• Medical Services – Vision exams complete with corrective eyewear, if needed, and dental exams for those 18 years and older. 

• Referral Services – Referring clients to other public and private agencies when more appropriate counseling, shelter or assistance is needed. 

Atmos Energy has been proud to assist the Help Office over the years by way of our Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative; however, our partnership truly flourished after the pandemic began in 2020. In the last five years, Atmos Energy has donated more than $45,000 which has provided 41,310 meals to 2,754 individuals and 1,102 families. And, through our energy assistance contributions, more than 250 individuals and 100 families have kept their homes safe and warm. 

“In 2020, 90 percent of our clients requesting assistance were directly affected by job loss, decrease in hours worked, or loss of work due to their own illness,” said Angela Settles, executive director of the Help Office. “Atmos Energy stepped up, realizing this was an unprecedented time for so many in Daviess County. The grants we received from Atmos Energy to pay energy bills brought relief to hundreds of people.” 

Of course, challenges remain to this day through substantial increases in the cost of food and gasoline. While requests for food have reached record numbers and challenged the Help Office to keep their food pantry shelves adequately stocked, Atmos Energy continues to answer the call for help.  

“I cannot express how much this partnership means to me personally,” added Settles. “Because of Atmos Energy’s support, many lives have been changed in Daviess County.”

To learn more and support the Help Office, please visit: https://owensborohelpoffice.org/donate/