Program poised to help families pay energy bills

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning-Youngstown Community Action Partnership is scheduling appointments for the Home Energy Assistance/Summer Crisis Program.

Electric assistance and air conditioners will be provided to income-eligible households with proper documentation from a medical professional. Households are eligible for air conditioners once every three years.

Income-eligible households will receive up to $175 toward their electric bills. Residents with a tenant-based HUD Section 8 housing subsidy are eligible if the electric bill is in their name.

The program is not open to residents of any licensed medical facility (hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility), publicly operated community residence (YMCA), boarding/rooming houses, group homes or emergency shelters.

Applicants must report their total household income for the past three months for all members 18 years or older. Both homeowners and renters may apply if their household income is equal to or less than 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Potential customers should call the agency for program specifics. Each applicant must bring in an electric bill, proof of income, photo ID for all household members 18 years or older, and Social Security numbers for all household members 2 years older to the face to face interview.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Inter-office Voice Response number (866) 223-1125.

Weatherization aid applications may be made at the time of the summer cooling appointment. Those interested will need proof of household income for the past 12 months. Homeowners need to provide proof of ownership.