The WinterCare Fund was established in Kentucky in 1983, when local Community Action Agencies and local Utility Companies partnered up to help address the needs of low-income Kentuckians to heat their homes.  The program will help individuals, that cannot be assisted through other heating programs but demonstrate financial need.  This innovative program also gives residential utility customers the opportunity to help low income families simply by checking a box on their monthly bill.  Currently 31 utilities and 22 community action agencies (CAAs) serving 119 of the state's 120 counties participate in WinterCare, which is managed by the CAC and administered by community action agencies.