The Ohio Development Services Agency and Community Action Commission of Fayette County are working to help Ohioans in need stay warm this winter through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

This program helps income-eligible Ohioans pay their heating bills and can assist with fuel tank placement, fuel tank testing and furnace repair. The program runs from Nov. 1 until March 31, 2020. In 2019, more than 400 families in Fayette County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program.

The Winter Crisis Program assists low-income households that have been disconnected (or have a pending disconnection notice), need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, or have 25% (or less) of bulk fuel supply remaining stay warm this winter. Ohioans can visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application prior to their required face-to-face meeting at Community Action Commission of Fayette County.

To schedule an appointment call, 740-335-7282. Eligible households can receive a payment for their main heating source and/or their secondary heating source (electric). The program can also assist with fuel tank placement, fuel tank testing and furnace repair.

Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $45,062.50.

For more information about the features of the Winter Crisis Program locally and what is needed to apply, contact Judy Havens at 740-335-7282. Additional information can also be found at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0880.