Summer Crisis Program is underway

The Ohio Department of Development and Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.

Through Sept. 30 income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air-conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air-conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.

“We’re proud to partner with community action agencies across the state to deliver this critical support during the hottest months of the year,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program. “Time after time this program has proven to be a vital lifeline for countless Ohioans when temperatures start to rise.”

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households or those who have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, require air-conditioning, or those with a person age 60 or older living in the home or who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health.

Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and others.

To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to eight members and 60% of the State Median Income for a family of nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $56,262.50.

Last year the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 44,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $13.5 million in benefits.

To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland Community Action Commission. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 330-674-6479. Clients need to bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:

—Their most recent energy bills.

—A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member.

—Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.

—Proof of disability if applicable.

—Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health.

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, call Kno-Ho-Co-Ashland CAC at 330-674-6479. To be connected to your local energy-assistance provider, visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or call 800-282-0880.