Customers Helping Customers

For less than the cost of a light bulb, you can help a needy family in our community stay warm all winter long. Simply mark your pledge options below and McMinnville Water & Light will add the amount to your bill each month for as long as you wish. Of course there are no obligations and you can cancel at any time.

McMinnville Water & Light and the City of McMinnville will match your donations to the Customers Helping Customers (CHC) fund.

There are people who never expected to fall upon hard times. But sometimes because of illness, disability or unemployment, people find themselves in deep financial trouble, and unable to pay for things as basic as electricity and water. With your support, needy families and individuals in our community will have money to pay their utility bills.

How does CHC work?

  • It helps our neighbors overcome temporary times of crisis by providing money to pay their utility bills.
  • Donations come from MW&L customers and employees.
  • MW&L will match three dollars for every dollar contributed to the fund up to a max match of $20,000 per calendar year.
  • The City of McMinnville has also pledged to match one dollar for every dollar contributed up to a max match of $20,000.
  • Program funds are administered and disbursed through St. Vincent de Paul.
  • 100% of your contributions go to helping needy families with no hidden costs or fees to administer the program.
  • Contributions may be tax deductible. Please review with your tax advisor.

Who does CHC help?

CHC helps families and individuals who, because of unfortunate events, find it impossible to pay their utility bills. Whether the difficulties are caused by medical bills, job loss, or they simply live on low fixed income, together we can make a difference!

How can you help?

You can help by either making a monthly or a one-time donation. To donate, fill out the form or call 503-472-6158 for more information.