CAC HEATING PROGRAM ENDING FOR 2018

​Emergency HEAP Program will end on March 31
 
The Community Action Council of Portage County has announced that the Winter Crisis Program (Emergency HEAP) will end as of March 30, 2018.   Any individual or family who has a disconnection notice or less than a 10-day supply of a bulk fuel, is at or below 175% of the poverty guidelines, and has not applied for Emergency HEAP since November 1, 2017 may be eligible and should contact the agency.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, and proof of citizenship. 0ther documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.                       
                                                                                                             
Customers of Dominion East Ohio Gas or Ohio Edison can receive up to $175 to restore or maintain utility service. Users of fuel oil and propane may receive a benefit of up to $750.00, and coal or wood users may receive up to $450.00. 
 
There are still appointments available for this season’s emergency program, and walk-ins are still available at, the Kent Free Library on Mondays March 19th and 26th; Garrettsville Library on March 20th; Portage County Senior Center on Wednesday March 21st; and the Windham Family Renaissance Center on Fridays March 16th and 23rd . Walk-ins at our main office (1036 West Main St) are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings starting at 8:00 am.  The first 24 households with all required documentation will be seen, last walk-in must be signed in by 11:00am.  If you would like to make an appointment, or need additional information call 330-297-1456 and press option 1.
 
 Applicants can continue to enroll in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP+), as well as the 2017 Regular HEAP Program through June 30, 2018.  We encourage customers to pay close attention to utility bill messages.  It will let you know when you must re-verify for the PIPP+ program.  You must re-verify before the date stated on your bills to prevent being dropped from the PIPP+ program.  Once you are dropped, it is sometimes very difficult to get re-enrolled, and charges are generally higher than your PIPP amount until you get back on PIPP+.
 
It is also imperative that PIPP+ customers are paying the PIPP amount in full and on time each month in order to avoid PIPP default. To enroll or re-verify for the PIPP+ program you must have an appointment or come for a walk-in. If you would like to make an appointment, or need additional information call 330-297-1456 and press option 1.