LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Frigid temperatures this winter have pushed heating costs to levels some families may not be able to afford.
The West Ohio Community Action Partnership, better known as WOCAP, is offering assistance through its Winter Crisis Program. The program provides a one-time benefit per heating season to income-eligible individuals.
To qualify, a household’s income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Applicants must also be facing disconnection, have already been disconnected, or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel remaining.
WOCAP officials say demand for assistance has increased significantly this year as colder-than-normal weather has driven up electric and gas bills.
“We have been very, extremely busy this season, with it being as cold as it was, that does make a difference,” said Kristina Keller, WO-CAP community services director. “And so people's electric bills or their gas bills are higher than normal. So we have seen an influx this year of applications to where all of our intake workers have huge case loads to work on.”
Winter Crisis Program applications are being accepted through March 31.
Keller added that WOCAP is also continuing to take applications for the HEAP program for financially eligible households that may not meet Winter Crisis requirements.
