LIMA — As winter continues, LACCA (Lima/Allen Council on Community Affairs) is working to provide relief for those who have had their gas or electric shut completely off, or are at imminent risk of having a utility disconnected, or bulk customers who have less than 25 percent fuel in their tank. LACCA can also pay up to $175 for the repair of a furnace.

The assistance program began Nov 1 and has been helping families struggling to keep up with their energy bills, by applying for LACCA’s Winter Crisis Program (WCP) through the federally funded Ohio Development Services Agency to receive up to $175 for a regulated utility, $450 for a non-regulated utility, $350 for coal or wood, and $750 for propane or fuel oil. The program runs through March 31.

To be eligible, families must reside in Allen County, earn a household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines:
A family of 4: $46,100 annually - $11,525 13-weeks
A family of 3: $38,180 annually - $9,545 13-weeks
A family of 2: $30,260 annually - $7,565 13-weeks
A family of 1: $22,340 annually - $5,585 13-weeks

And
— Have a shut off notice on utility bill, shut completely off, or have less than 25 percent fuel in tank;
— Provide income documentation for all household members 18-years and older;
— Provide utility documentation; and
— Provide Social Security cards for all household members.

The Winter Crisis Program is also available on a “walk-in” basis taken daily beginning at 7:30 a.m. (until walk-in slots are filled for that day). LACCA’s goal is to serve as many walk-ins as possible, while still acknowledging our scheduled appointments in a timely manner. Walk-ins are not guaranteed.

For More Information, contact Lima Allen Council on Community Affairs (LACCA), 540 South Central Avenue, Lima OH 45804-1306; or call 419-227-2586 or 1-855-286-7559 to schedule an appointment.