Heat assistance program begins

YOUNGSTOWN — Low-income Mahoning County families need not suffer through the winter months without heat.

The Mahoning/Youngstown Community Action Partnership is accepting applications for its Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program, providing monetary assistance to households that have experienced or face utility termination.

The program provides a one-time payment of up to $175 to restore or retain utility services. A maximum of $450 in energy assistance is also available to qualifying candidates. The program will begin Nov. 1, concluding March 31, 2008.

Applicants must show proof that their household income is less than 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines, or the equivalent of a $17,867 annual salary for an individual, or $30,047 for a family of three.

Potential applicants must call the organization’s toll-free number, (866) 223-1125 to schedule an appointment with MYCAP officials. The organization will also accept a limited number of walk-in candidates between 8 and 9 a.m. at its 101 Federal Plaza East offices.

Walk-in candidates must have exhausted fuels supplies to less than a 10-day reserve or already have already experienced service termination. Churches, organizations or agencies seeking a supply of applications should call MYCAP at (330) 747-7921 ext. 1128.

Families that do not face possible termination of their utilities may qualify for Ohio’s Regular Home Energy Assistance Program. This program is administered through the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Community Services at (800) 282-0880 or energyhelp.ohio.gov.