OHIO HEARTLAND NOW ACCEPTING HEAP APPLICATIONS IN MORROW AND RICHLAND
MRM NO LONGER PROVIDING HEAP SERVICES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 17, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Officials with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) today announced that beginning January 20, the Ohio Heartland Community Action Agency will administer the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for residents of Morrow and Richland Counties. The program is currently administered through MRM Total Operation Against Poverty, Inc.

“I am confident Ohio Heartland will provide professional and timely HEAP services to those in need in Morrow and Richland Counties,” commented Amy Kuhn, Deputy Director, Community Development Division, ODOD. “Meeting the needs of the community is our top priority, and we are working to ensure a smooth transition of the program, for our customers.”

Ohio Heartland began taking applications for HEAP and Emergency HEAP today at their locations at 619 West Marion Road in Mt. Gilead (Morrow County) and 597 Park Avenue East in Mansfield (Richland County). All Ohio Heartland offices are open 8am - 4:30pm. MRM will cease providing HEAP services January 20, 2006.

For more information regarding services at Ohio Heartland in Morrow County call 419-946-8480 or in Richland County call 419-522-0576. Customers who wish to schedule an appointment at either location may call 1-866-861-6421. Customers may also contact the toll-free HEAP hotline at 1-800-282-0880.

The Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division (CDD) administers a variety of state and federally funded programs that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and families. As part of the state's overall development efforts, CDD coordinates these programs to form a comprehensive strategy to build stronger, healthier communities throughout the state.