Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2009  

HEAP WINTER CRISIS PROGRAM BEGINS NOVEMBER 2^ND 
Heating Assistance Available to Eligible Households

COLUMBUS- Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced  that $50 million in funding is available to assist qualified, low-income, and elderly Ohioans with winter heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program, which begins November 2, 2009 and runs through March 31, 2010 .  Ohio will receive an estimated $220 million in total federal HEAP funding for the 2010 federal fiscal year, approximately the same amount as compared to last year. 

"As many Ohio families continue to struggle with the cost of heating their homes, the Winter Crisis Program will provide relief to help keep families safe and warm this winter," said Patt-McDaniel. " Our local community action agency partners across the state will ensure that eligible Ohioans can take advantage of this program and get the assistance they need.” 

The HEAP Winter Crisis Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Community Development Division, provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that have been disconnected, are being threatened with disconnection, or have less than a 10-day supply of bulk fuel. Approximately 180,000 households were served during the 2008-2009 Winter Crisis Program. 

Qualifying for HEAP is dependent on the size of the household and the total gross household income over the past three months, which must be at or below 200 percent of the 2009 federal poverty guidelines listed below: 

For households with more than eight members, add $7,480 per member to the yearly income. 

To apply for assistance through the Winter Crisis Program, households must have a face-to-face interview at their local provider agency. Qualified Ohioans may call the Department’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-282-0880, Monday through Friday for a referral to one of Ohio’s 56 local service providers.  Hearing impaired customers may dial 1-800-686-1557 for assistance. For more information about the Winter Crisis Program visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.  

The Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division also administers the electric Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and other state and federally funded programs that benefit Ohio individuals and families. The Community Development Division coordinates its programs to form a comprehensive strategy to build stronger, healthier communities throughout the state. 

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future. 

# # #

Media contacts:  Eileen Turner at 614.728.6674 or the Communications & Marketing Office at 614.466.2609