Heating and Water Assistance Available

The Community Action Council of Portage County wants to remind Portage County residents that assistance is available to help with their home energy bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps households that are at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay their heating bills.  Portage County residents that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected from their utility service, or have less than 25% of bulk fuel in their tank may be eligible for the Winter Crisis Program. WCP started on November 1 and goes through March 31, 2023. 

CAC of Portage County also has water bill assistance.  The Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps households that are at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines pay their water bills.  Portage County residents that are threatened with disconnection, or have been disconnected from their utility service may be eligible for this program.   

To make an appointment call 234-703-4303 or go online to https://app.capappointments.com .   We also have some same day appointments available Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8Am.  For those call-in appointments, customers should call 330-297-1456 ext 0 starting at 8 am.  The call-in appointments fill up very quickly and are usually full by 8:30.
 
You MUST make an appointment in order for a Winter Crisis Application to be processed.  . 
ALL APPOINTMENTS, AND CALL-INS WILL BE CONDUCTED VIA PHONE INTERVIEW.  You are required to be available via the phone number provided, and have the required documents available so you are able to answer the intake specialists questions at the date and time of your appointment.  The Intake Specialist will work with you to decide what is the best method for providing your documents.

Documents most commonly needed are:
•Most recent utility bills
•A list of all household members (including birth dates and Social Security numbers)
•Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members (12 months for certain income types)
•Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
•Proof of disability (if applicable)
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For more information on HEAP, LIHWAP, or other programs offered by Community Action Council of Portage County, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or contact us at :
Community Action Council of Portage County
1036 West Main St * PO BOX 917 * Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Phone:   330-297-1456 HEAP is Option 1
Appointment line:   234-703-4303
Fax:   330-297-1463