Home energy assistance funding still available
Written by Kristen Criswell | | krapin@toledofreepress.comA group of local agencies announced March 18 that state Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding is still available.
According to the agencies, more than 30,000 Lucas County household may qualify for HEAP, assistance with home energy bills, but have not applied.
To assist as many people as possible across Northwest Ohio, Economic Opportunity Planning Association (EOPA), WSOS, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), United Way and Columbia Gas of Ohio are encouraging those who qualify to apply before the March 31 deadline.
“We’re promoting the services that we still have available and letting people know they’re still out there,” said Tomeka Rushing, heat program coordinator for EOPA.
Assistance can lower gas payments for households that qualify. Additionally, funds for weatherization may also be available through NHS to help lower energy costs.
“It’s vital right now because the funding ends on March 31 and winter heating ends April 15. If people don’t set up payment plans or seek assistance some of these opportunities will be finished and gas services may be turned off,” said Chris Kozak, communications and community relations manager for Columbia Gas of Ohio.
Qualification for assistance is based on the Federal Poverty Level.
To find out if a household qualifies or to apply for assistance, contact United Way 2-1-1, or in Lucas County EOPA at 1-866-504-7392 and in Wood, Seneca, Ottawa or Sandusky counties, call WSOS at 1-800-775-9767 or NHS at (419) 691-2900.
Tags: Columbia Gas of Ohio, EOPA, HEAP, United Way
I have a question? My landlord was paying my electric and gas, but since I have been unemployed I have not been able to pay much rent, and He can not afford to pay both, and wants me to put the electric and gas in my name. Is there a program that can help a family, with small children, pay for electric, and gas during the summer. Thank you
This comment was posted on April 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am