As temperatures fall heating bills rise and one group is making sure everyone can afford it.

Community Action of Southern Kentucky will begin the crisis portion of the "Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program" in January.

The program assists households unable to fully meet heating bills or purchase sufficient bulk fuel to keep their families safe and warm.

Last year nearly 7,000 residents received assistance in the ten counties Community Action of Southern Kentucky serves.

"This program is very important, a lot of families are struggling to pay their heating cost, or to make ends meat with other bills. This program allows us to provide assistance to families so we can assure they have heat in their homes for the winter."

Applications will be taken at convenient Community Action partnership locations. Applicants are encouraged to apply at the location nearest to them in their county of residence.

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Below is a list of phone numbers for local Community Action Community Services Offices.

A household shall be considered to be in a home heating crisis situation when the household meets the basic LIHEAP eligibility criteria and:

· the household is within four (4) days of running out of fuel if bulk fuel (coal, fuel oil, propane, kerosene, or wood) is the heat source;

· the household has received a past due/disconnect notice if natural gas or electric is the heat source; or

· the household’s home heating costs are included as an undesignated portion of the rent, and the household has received an eviction notice for non-payment of rent from the landlord.

For all bulk fuels (wood, coal, propane, fuel oil, kerosene) verification of a crisis situation may be self-declaration by the applicant. For natural gas and electric heated households, the applicant must present an appropriate disconnect notice from the vendor. The benefit amount that each household receives will be based on minimum amount necessary to alleviate the crisis. All eligible households will receive a benefit, although a co-payment may be required. Benefits will be made payable to the household’s heating fuel vendor.

Applications will be taken at convenient CAP locations. Applicants are encouraged to apply at the location nearest to them in their county of residence. For days, hours of operation, and locations, contact your local Community Action Community Services Office. All phone numbers below are in the 270 Area Code.

Allen County, 237-4149

Barren County, 651-8171

Butler County, 526-3735

Edmonson County, 597-3912

Hart County, 524-0224

Logan County, 726-2459

Metcalfe County, 432-4006

Monroe County, 487-5436

Simpson County, 586-3238

Warren County, 782-4437

LIHEAP is a statewide initiative sponsored by Community Action Kentucky in partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).

Community Action staff create opportunities for individuals and families to be self-reliant. Learn more at www.casoky.org.