Feeling the economic crunch? Worried about the rising costs of energy bills? Low-income families in Seattle may qualify to receive a 50 percent reduction on their utility bills through the Seattle Human Services Department's Utility Discount Program.

Because of the increasing costs of fuel, food and housing, many households on fixed incomes find it more difficult to make ends meet. In response, Human Services Department staff has increased outreach to families who may be eligible for the utility rate discount.

Human Services Department staff working as part of the PeoplePoint program and located at four Seattle's Neighborhood Service Centers and other community organizations can assist City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers with information about the utility discount rate, basic health insurance, food and childcare assistance.

"We make every effort to reach out to low-income families by placing staff at four Neighborhood Service Centers in Seattle," said David Broom, supervisor of the Utility Discount Program. "For example, one member of my staff recently helped a Seattle City Light and Public Utilities customer complete applications for the discount program and the Basic Food Program, and then she scheduled a follow-up meeting to help the client apply for a reduction in property taxes."

The Utility Discount Program is managed by the Mayor's Office for Senor Citizens in the Seattle Human Services Department, in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light. PeoplePoint is a City of Seattle initiative to provide access to multiple benefits, in one place, at one time. To apply for the Utility Discount Program, health insurance, food assistance or child care, call the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens at 206-684-0268, e-mail UDP@seattle.gov, download an application at www.seattle.gov/humanservices/seniorsdisabled/mosc/utilfiftypercent.htm, or visit any of the following City of Seattle Neighborhood Service Centers during the hours listed:

Delridge Neighborhood Service Center

5405 Delridge Way S.W., 98106

Fridays 1-4 p.m.