Hamilton County Senior Utility Assistance Program and STEPS to Stability Applications for financial assistance with gas/electric utility bills (Duke only) will open on May 27 at the Healthy Aging Summit
Hamilton County, OH – In celebration of Older Americans Month, the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus, in partnership with Council on Aging, will host a Healthy Aging Summit on Wednesday, May 27 at The Word Family Life Event and Community Center.
The event will also mark the official launch of the Hamilton County Senior Utility Assistance Program, providing the first opportunity for eligible Hamilton County older adults to apply for financial assistance with their gas/electric utility bills. Information and eligibility criteria for the program can be found at http://www.help4seniors.org/steps.
“As founder of the Hamilton County 513Relief Bus, I am incredibly proud of the progress our county has made in partnership with Council on Aging to support our senior residents,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece.
“From millions invested in utility assistance to critical home repairs, these programs are helping older adults age in place with dignity, independence, and the resources they need to thrive. Building on this momentum, I am proud to announce an annual Healthy Aging Senior Summit — a one-stop destination for services, information, and meaningful community impact.”
“As we celebrate Older Americans Month, this summit reflects our commitment to making Hamilton County a place where residents can age with dignity and support,” said Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “By bringing services directly into the community and launching this utility assistance program, we are removing barriers and ensuring our seniors have access to the resources they need to stay safe, healthy, and independent.”
“Hamilton County is proud to invest in the people who helped build this community, ensuring our older adults have access to the services they need to thrive,” said Commissioner Denise Driehaus. “With costs continuing to rise, especially for utilities, this partnership with Council on Aging and the 513Relief Bus is helping deliver real relief and making it easier for seniors to stay safe and stable in their homes.”
“It’s important that older adults across Hamilton County have access to Council on Aging’s programs and services, including STEPS to Stability and the Hamilton County Senior Utility Assistance Program. Through these programs, we can help older adults with short-term, urgent needs such as utility assistance and home repairs,” said Suzanne Burke, CEO, Council on Aging. “We’re kicking off our 2026 STEPS to Stability program at the Healthy Aging Summit by helping eligible older adults apply for utility assistance, and we’ll continue to accept utility assistance and home repair applications at events planned across the county in June. We’re grateful to Commissioner Reece and the 513Relief Bus for giving us the opportunity to bring this program directly to Hamilton County older adults.”
DETAILS
- When: Wednesday, May 27 | 10 AM – 2 PM
- Where: The Word Family Life Event and Community Center (Word of Deliverance), 693 Fresno Rd, 45240
- Media availability with Commissioner Alicia Reece at 10 AM.
State of Aging (10 AM)
- 50+ community partners providing resources and education
- Free health screenings
- Interactive workshops, including:
- Fall prevention
- Estate planning
- Tai Chi
- Free lunch
- Raffles
Resource Fair (11 AM – 2 PM)
- 50+ community partners providing resources and education
- Free health screenings
- Interactive workshops, including:
- Fall prevention
- Estate planning
- Tai Chi
- Free lunch
- Raffles
Utility Assistance for Seniors
Hamilton County Senior Utility Assistance Program and STEPS to Stability Applications for financial assistance with gas/electric utility bills (Duke only) will open on May 27 at the Healthy Aging Summit and will continue through June. Applicants must have their Duke account number in order to apply. Individuals who received utility assistance through this program in 2025 are not eligible to apply again in 2026.