7-09-2023 4:11pm

Summer Crisis Program and Water Assistance Now Available

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY OHIO -- The Ohio Department of Development and Warren County Community Services, Inc., will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the hot summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill. The program runs from July 1-Sept. 30, 2023.

Clients will need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

Copies of their most recent energy bills.
A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members, (ex. social security card, birth certificate)
Proof of disability (if applicable)
Lease or HUD/Metropolitan Housing Lease
Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (if there isn’t a household member over the age of 60 or a disconnection with the electric utility).

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides a benefit once per cooling season to an income-eligible household’s electric bill or purchase an air conditioning unit and/or fans.

If you are facing a disconnect, shut-off, or need new service; the Low-Income Water Assistance Program provides eligible Ohioan’s assistance paying water and/or wastewater bill. The program runs until September 30, 2023.

To apply for either program, clients are required to schedule an in-person appointment with Warren County Community Services, Inc. emergency HEAP. To make an appointment please call 513-970-6737 or online at https://wccs.itfrontdesk.com

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance program (LIHWAP) locally and what is needed to apply, contact Warren County Community Services, Inc at 513-970-6737. Additional information can also be found at www.wccsi.org or www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or by calling (800) 282-0880.

About WCCS:

For more than 50 years, WCCS has served as the community’s primary link for social services in Warren County, WCCS operates a wide range of programs and services that:

Allow seniors and families to obtain and maintain long-term housing
Assist families and individuals with emergency needs, employment, and rising energy costs
Help older adults to remain active and independent
Prepare children to succeed in school
Adults with literacy challenges are tutored to increase their reading and writing skills. Legal immigrants are taught English as a second language