REACH Program (Selma Community Outreach Ministry)

REACH Program (Selma Community Outreach Ministry) is sponsored by Selma Community Outreach Ministry (in partnership with PG&E). The REACH Program assists individuals struggling with PG&E bills. By applying for REACH, applicants may also be automatically enrolled in the PG&E Match Program.

Selma ministry helps residents keep the lights on - Mid Valley Times Selma ministry helps residents keep the lights on Selma Community Outreach Ministry reopens its assistance on applications for PG&E’s REACH program to help residents apply for utility assistance A Selma Community Outreach Ministries case manager helps Valley residents apply for PG&E’s REACH program on Jan. 6, 2026.

(Jon Acevedo) Published January 7, 2026 • SELMA – Utility bills aren’t getting any cheaper, but a local ministry is letting Valley residents know they don’t have to deal with them alone. Beginning in the first week of January, the Selma Community Outreach Ministries reopened applications for utility bill assistance.

In partnership with PG&E’s REACH and Match My Payment programs, Central Valley residents can visit the ministry to apply for up to $1,800 of utility bill assistance. After a brief break over the holidays, both programs are now open and accepting applications for the new year. “We love to help people, that’s why we’re here,” said Delfina Vazquez, pastor and CEO of COM.

“The house of God is to provide services to our community and to all the surrounding communities, so we love doing what we do. ” Vazquez shared that COM has been offering assistance with REACH applications since PG&E reached out to them in 2017. This year is an especially exciting one, however, thanks to a significant increase in the funds available to applicants.

Michael Mancilla, a case manager at COM, said that last year, REACH offered up to $300, but that amount has jumped to $800 for 2026. Upon applying for REACH, applicants are also put into PG&E’s Match My Payment Program, which will match the amount paid toward a past due balance with a minimum of $50.

Mancilla noted that although REACH assistance can only be used once per year, the match program can provide up to $1,000 that can be used across multiple payments. In order to apply, applicants must bring their ID, social security card, Medi-Cal card, one month of income and their bill. According to Mancilla, the process usually takes around 10-15 minutes so long as it’s not too busy of a day.

Vazquez said that applications are usually processed very quickly by PG&E, often within the same day or by the next day. It’s a feat that she’s been happy to see, especially as utility bills have been rising to “ridiculous” amounts. The program is not solely for residents of Selma, but rather for anyone in the Central Valley.

Vazquez said that she’s seen applicants come in from Coalinga, Huron, Orange Cove, Yokuts Valley and more. According to her count, the ministry has seen anywhere from 350-400 Valley residents served each month across all of its various resources. While previous years have seen lines around the building before it even opened, things have been slower as word gets out about REACH’s return.

Vazquez said the team is well prepared for increased traffic as the year progresses, and “welcomes it. ” Aside from help with REACH applications, the ministry offers a wide variety of resources for unhoused individuals and those struggling financially. Mancilla shared that the ministry offers showers to unhoused individuals on Mondays and Fridays, and hot meals every day.

Other services include help getting rent assistance, finding a place to stay and much more. If the ministry can’t outright provide it themselves, case managers will connect people with organizations who can. “We offer a lot of resources here, but if we don’t have it, we’re linked to someone who does,” Vazquez said The ministry welcomes walk-ins, and will provide in-depth assistance for any required services.

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