The Seattle City Council will be briefed on current demand and usage of utility rate assistance programs at a special joint committee meeting on public and nonprofit utility assistance programs in Seattle Thursday, June 17, 2010, 5 to 8 p.m at Chief Sealth High School, 5959 Delridge Way SW.

Council President Richard Conlin, Councilmembers Harrell and O’Brien, Representatives from Central Area Motivation Project (CAMP) and St. Vincent de Paul will be there for the briefing.

City staff and community groups will discuss the utility rate assistance programs and other services provided by Seattle and non-profit organizations during the current economic crisis to raise public awareness about the programs, and identify system or operational gaps that can be addressed to improve access to existing programs.

"I encourage people to come out and see what kind of assistance is available to them. People are often eligible for different forms of assistance and they may not be aware of it," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Energy, Technology and Civil Rights Committee.

"In the short time I have overseen Seattle Public Utilities, many constituents have contacted me with concerns about rising bills, shrinking paychecks, and struggling between paying for food, clothes, housing, and utilities," said Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "Many people directly benefit from the multiple programs Seattle and private groups offer residents."

The public meeting will start at 6 p.m., followed by public testimony at 7 p.m. There will also be a public information fair at 5 PM where groups such as CAMP, Center for Career Alternatives, Cancer Lifeline, Seattle King County Public Health and others will be on hand to provide information about programs and services.