Plus-1 Push Telethon

For the second year in a row, MLGW, MIFA and News Channel 3 are teaming up to help raise funds for Plus-1, a utility assistance program for individuals and families in financial crisis. Since being established in 1982, the assistance program has provided millions of dollars in assistance to families in Memphis and Shelby County. Last year's telethon raised more than $47,000 in donations in one day.

What is it?
The Plus-1 program was created in 1982 and is a partnership between MIFA and MLGW that provides utility assistance for individuals and families in financial crisis.

Where does the money come from?
MLGW customers sign up to donate by agreeing to add at least $1 per month to their utility bill to go to the program. Anyone can also make a one-time donation for any amount.

Who decides who gets help from Plus-1?
MIFA screens clients for eligibility and priority and authorizes payments from the Plus-1 fund to their accounts. The average eligible household receives $200 in assistance, plus negotiation with MLGW to establish a payment plan for the balance.

How many families get help from Plus-1?
Customers and donors gave enough money last year to help close to 1,800 families through Plus-1. That’s 600 more families than in 2012! But if every MLGW customer gave just $1 per month, MIFA could serve more than 20,000 families per year through Plus-1.

What’s the “I Am Plus 1 Telethon”?
It’s a day long effort on Monday, April 7, sponsored by MLGW to support MIFA, to increase awareness and participation of the Plus-1 program in the metropolitan Memphis community. It will feature live reports all day on WREG News Channel 3, ending with a 30 minute program at 6:30 p.m. The show will focus on people who have been helped by Plus-1 and a phone panel to answer questions and help MLGW customers sign up to help.

For more information on Plus-1 or to sign up, you can visit:
plus1memphis.org
IamPlus1.org
mlgw.com
wreg.com/plus1/
mifa.org/plus-1