The City of Galion Utility Office once again partnered with the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission last winter to help 323 Galion utility customers with their electric bill payments.
According to officials at OHCAC, the Winter Crisis Program paid out $112,347.66 in assistance for people who met low-income eligibility. This does not include the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), in which $40,840 in government assistance was received by customers as well.
The Winter Crisis Program started in November and ran through March. Qualifying customers were able to receive up to $550 toward their electric bill as long as they agreed to stay current on the water portion of their bill.
“We encourage people to apply for the program and keep monthly running totals for each customer to make sure they are not over the limit (for receiving assistance),” Utility Office Clerk Connie Keller said.
“The staff puts in a lot of extra work to help our more unfortunate customers get help with their bills. Assistance from Community Action really is a win-win for the customer and the city,” Utility Office Manager Dan Bute added.
OHCAC’s 2016 Summer Crisis Program will run from July 1 through Aug. 31 and will be available to qualifying Galion utility customers who are age 60 and over or who have a medical condition.
The Summer Crisis Program can assist customers with a one-time payment toward an electric bill, air conditioning unit or fan. Electric bill assistance is not available to customers enrolled in Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus.
Call 1-866-861-6421 to set an appointment with OHCAC to apply for the Summer Crisis Program. The following items must be provided at the time of application:
• Main heating and electric bills
• Past 13 weeks of income for all household members
• Social Security numbers for all household members
• Proof of disability or physician documentation, if needed
HEAP Director Bob Foreman noted that 124 Galion customers were assisted by the 2015 Summer Crisis Program. “We hope to help even more people this year. Community Action also offers many other programs, including Head Start for children and the Fatherhood Program,” Foreman said.
For more information, visit Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission’s website: http://www.ohcac.org/programs/heap/
