FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced that funding is available to assist qualified, low-income and elderly Ohioans cope with the summer heat. The funding is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program which runs June 1 through August 31, 2006.

"It is our hope that these funds will assist in protecting at risk Ohioans from the dangers of excessive summer heat," said Johnson, who also serves as director of the Ohio Department of Development. "I encourage eligible Ohioans to contact their local community action agencies for assistance in applying for these services."

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program provides assistance with summer cooling for low-income households of the elderly or those with qualifying medical conditions. Elderly households must include a member that is at least 60 years old and meets the income qualifications for assistance in paying the current electric bill. Households with a resident who has a documented medical condition, and meets the income qualifications, may also be eligible for an air conditioner and electric bill payment assistance. The Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division administers the program.

The gross annual income of eligible household must be at or below 175 percent of the 2005-2006 federal poverty income guidelines listed below:


Size of Household 1