Talladega, Ala. – Jan. 16, 2026 — Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative is launching a new community assistance initiative, Lights of Hope, aimed at supporting veterans and their families who are facing financial hardship, mental health challenges or the lasting impacts of military service.
Across CVEC’s service area, many veterans and their loved ones quietly carry unseen burdens. Lights of Hope was created to help ease that weight by providing direct utility payment assistance to those who need it most. "We want to ensure that homes stay warm, lights stay on and families have one less worry during difficult times,” said Jon Cullimore, CVEC general manager.
To begin the program, the CVEC Board of Trustees approved a donation of $2,000 to support Lights of Hope in partnership with Houston Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans and their families. That donation along with a previous $500 gift from CVEC will be matched dollar-for-dollar through CoBank’s Sharing Success Program, which doubles the impact to $5,000 in direct community support.
“Houston Project exists because too many veterans are struggling in silence,” said Michelle Tumlin, founder and CEO of the organization. “Lights of Hope represents compassion in action. It tells veterans and their families that they are seen, they are valued, and their community stands beside them during the hard moments.”
Houston Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Tumlin, a Pell City mother whose son, Houston, an Army veteran, died by suicide in 2021. What began as a family’s effort to transform personal loss into purpose has grown into a trusted resource for veterans facing unexpected hardships. The organization provides financial assistance, connects individuals with critical support resources and raises awarenesses of issues, such as PTSD, depression and veteran suicide.
“Being a cooperative means looking out for our neighbors, especially those who have sacrificed so much,” said Cullimore, who is also a veteran. “Lights of Hope allows us to lead with compassion and ensure that veterans and their families have reliable support when life becomes overwhelming. This partnership reflects who we are and what we stand for.”
The goal of Lights of Hope is to provide funds needed to pay the propane and/or power bills of qualifying veterans. Veterans seeking assistance should contact Houston Project directly at 205-369-8756. The veteran must be a member of Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative or a customer of Coosa Valley Propane. Houston Project staff verifies need, ensures bills are paid and offers additional support, such as referrals and counseling resources.
“Lights of Hope is more than a bill-paying program,” Cullimore said. “It’s a statement that veterans matter and that their service is honored and appreciated by the Coosa Valley family.” Community members who wish to support Lights of Hope are encouraged to make a monetary donation to further assist local veterans and their families. Donations can be made by mailing a check to Houston Project at 1916 Cogswell Ave., Pell City, AL 35125 or by calling 205-369-8756 to arrange a contribution. The initiative will continue as long as funds are available.
“When a community comes together around its veterans, hope becomes tangible,” Tumlin said. “Lights of Hope shows what’s possible when organizations and the community lead with heart and purpose.”
For more information about Houston Project, visit www.houston-project.org.