United Way of Southern Nevada Provides Assistance to Over 1,700 Local Senior Households Through Project REACH Senior Expos, Powered by NV Energy
Images can be downloaded HERE (credit: United Way of Southern Nevada)
LAS VEGAS (Sept. 11, 2026) – United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN), in collaboration with NV Energy, Southwest Gas, and community partners, provided critical past-due utility bill support to over 1,700 senior households during this year’s Project REACH Senior Expos, powered by NV Energy.
Across the valley, seniors received an estimated total of over $374,000 in financial assistance through Project REACH to help cover past-due electric, water, sewer, trash and propane bills, and an estimated total over $69,000 for natural gas bills through the Southwest Gas’ Energy Share program.
UWSN’s Project REACH Senior Expos, powered by NV Energy, provides essential support with past-due utility bills and access to community resources for seniors aged 62 and older, especially those experiencing financial challenges. Funded by UWSN’s Emergency Assistance Fund and the NV Energy Foundation, the Project REACH program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults in the community.
“I thought I was going to end up in a shelter.” Yvette, 73, arrived at a Project REACH Senior Expo with only $26 to her name and a growing stack of unpaid bills. She wasn’t sure how she was going to keep up. At the expo, Yvette received assistance with her energy bill and was connected to additional resources to help her get back on track. “Today made a big change in my life,” she shared. “I feel that today, I can get better. Everything is going to get better.”
“Yvette’s experience reflects what so many seniors in our community are quietly facing,” said Samuel Rudd, UWSN President & CEO. “On behalf of UWSN, I want to thank our generous sponsors, community partners, and volunteers who make these expos possible. When you support the Project REACH Senior Expos, you’re helping people like Yvette find hope, and reminding them that their community sees them, cares about them, and is here to help them move forward.”
For many seniors and families, managing essential household expenses can be challenging, and that’s why programs like Project REACH, powered by NV Energy and our Foundation are so important,” said Tony Sanchez, NV Energy Executive Vice President of Business Development and External Relations. “NV Energy is proud of our long-standing partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada and our shared commitment to helping customers access the support they need. Together, we’re helping make energy more affordable, strengthening our community, and ensuring our neighbors know they are not facing these challenges alone.”
This year’s Project REACH Senior Expos were sponsored by NV Energy and the Southwest Gas Foundation.
For those unable to attend this year’s expos, Project REACH offers year-round support for eligible seniors. Eligible individuals and households can apply for up to $300 in assistance once every 12 months. For more information on year-round Project REACH support, please visit uwsn.org/projectreach/. Southwest Gas also offers year-round support for eligible customers through its Energy Share program. Eligible individuals and households can receive up to $400 in assistance annually. For more information, Southwest Gas customers can visit www.swgas.com/energyshare to contact an Energy Share program provider and determine eligibility.
To learn more about United Way of Southern Nevada, please visit https://uwsn.org/.
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About United Way of Southern Nevada:
United Way of Southern Nevada (UWSN) believes that everyone deserves a roof over their heads, a good job, and access to a quality education. For over 65 years, UWSN has united our community to improve people’s lives. Funds raised in Southern Nevada stay here and build pathways out of poverty so our entire community can thrive. Join us and help ensure that every person in our community has the opportunity to succeed. Give today at uwsn.org and connect with us on Facebook @UnitedWaySN, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube @UWSN, LinkedIn at United Way of Southern Nevada, and TikTok @UWSN702.
Media Contacts:
Kirvin Doak Communications
UWSNPR@kirvindoak.com
