7-02-2024 10:19pm

Summer Crisis Program Available

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH -- 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 or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1-Sept. 30, 2024.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Warren County Community Services, Inc., emergency HEAP. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 513-970-6737 or online at https://wccs.itfrontdesk.com

Clients 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.
Proof of disability (if applicable).
Current Lease and/or HUD/Metropolitan Housing Lease-HUD housing will need to provide landlord information
SNAP benefit letter
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).

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older) who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Also, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their PIPP default payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program. To see what is required to apply, contact Warren County Community Services, Inc. Emergency HEAP at 513-970-6737 or online at https://wccs.itfrontdesk.com To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880.