By Frank Lewis
Following the urging of U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released $131,709,468 to the State of Ohio for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). During the 2013-2014 winter, more than 420,000 Ohio homes used LIHEAP to help cover their home energy costs. In Scioto County, 6,733 homes rely on LIHEAP to keep the heat on in the winter time.
“No one should have to choose between heating their home and skipping a meal or filling a prescription,” Brown said. “With colder temperatures just around the corner, this is vital for seniors and low-income families who need help keeping their homes warm this winter. LIHEAP is a lifeline for thousands of Ohio families who struggle during the winter months.”
LIHEAP assists low-income households—particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy—in meeting their immediate home energy needs. In order to receive additional information or apply for LIHEAP funding, Brown is encouraging Ohioans to visit the State of Ohio website or contact their local Community Action Agencies.
Earlier this month, Brown urged HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell to release LIHEAP funds to the states.
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
