Funds available for heating help

People who have used up their help should apply again, an official said.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Extra federal funds will be available for people who have already used home heating subsidies.
The Columbiana County commissioners on Wednesday approved using the money from the county's Department of Jobs and Family Services for the first time to help with heating.
Eileen Dray-Bardon, the agency's director, said that some people already have used their funds from the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program.
HEAP provides funds for those who have less than a 10-day supply of fuel or where the heat is off.
After using the emergency program, people can apply for more help through the regular HEAP.
Dray-Bardon said that from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, some 81 people had been denied, six more had used their benefits, and 12 more were no longer eligible.
In November, Ruth Allison, the emergency services director for the Community Action Agency, which takes Emergency HEAP requests, said demand was the worst she had ever seen.
Guidelines
Under the guidelines, a family of four that makes $33,894 a year would be eligible.
JFS funding had not been used to augment the heating program before.
The funds are part of the agency's regular funding. But because of the demand, Dray-Bardon said, "We looked at it a little differently."
But those who have been rejected or exhausted their benefits should reapply at the CAA to get the JFS funds, Dray-Bardon said.
She did not state the total amount of money that was available for extra assistance.
Allison has not returned calls about the demand and amount of payments this year.
County officials had planned to turn to churches or social service agencies this year to help those who had exhausted their home heating benefits.
wilkinson@vindy.com