Qualified residents who cannot pay for their energy needs due to an unplanned hardship may be eligible to receive assistance with their gas and/or electric bill through the Salvation Army of Simi Valley.

The program can make a onetime bill payment up to $1,500 through Sept. 18.

Eligible residents must have a past-due bill and have received a 15-day or a 48-hour shut-off notice in their name and also have at least one child under the age of 18 who is a U.S. citizen.

To be prescreened for an appointment, call Mary Flandez or Veronica Rubio at the Salvation Army at (805) 527-1070.