The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Program helps locals through the cold winter
The Lorain County Community Action Agency is trying to get the word out about its Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP.
According to a news release, since the program started Nov. 1, at least 436 people have been helped by the initiative that seeks to help people who live at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty line pay for their heating costs.
The release advises residents who have received disconnect notices to call the HEAP hotline at 1-855806-9620 and make an appointment.
The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and utility companies cannot shut off your service if you’ve made an appointment.
The automated appointment lines include a recorded message that details the documents needed for an appointment, the release said.
The Community Action Agency serves its clients at three locations: 936 Broadway in Lorain; Wellington Village Hall, 115 Willard Memorial Square; and St. Agnes Church at 611 Lake Ave. in Elyria.
Walk-in hours in Lorain are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, but appointments are welcome all day.
The Wellington office sees walk-ins in the morning and by appointment in the afternoons. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
The Elyria office does not take walk-ins. Appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
All offices are closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m., according to the release.
More than 3,700 people were served last year, according to the release.
More than 3,700 people were served last year, according to the release.