The  Winter Crisis Program (WCP) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected, need to establish new service, need to pay to transfer service, or have 25% (or less) supply of bulk fuel in their tank, maintain their utility service. 

The program runs until March 31, 2025. Ohio households serviced by a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio-regulated utility must sign up for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) or another payment plan if there is still an outstanding balance on the bill after receiving assistance.

Households interested in receiving emergency utility assistance must have a phone appointment, and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, proof of citizenship, and proof of disability if applicable. Other documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.
Portage County residents can call toll free 234-703-4303 or go online https://app.capappointments.com to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled up to 3 weeks in advance and must be made through the Agency’s 24 hour Interactive Voice Response scheduling system either by phone or online.
 
CAC of Portage County also offers call-in appointments at our Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00 am through 10:00 am or until all the appointments are full.  If you call during this time and appointments are still available, you will receive a same-day appointment.  The phone number for call-ins is 330-297-1456 ext 0.
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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 specialist’s 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.  Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.
 

Community Action Council of Portage County (CAC) is still accepting appointments and call-ins for the Summer Crisis Program (SCP).  The program runs through September 30th and may be able to assist households with a portion of their electric bill and provide a window air conditioner and/or fan to help with summer heat. 

To be eligible, households must be at or below 175% of poverty, and meet one of the following criteria:

• An electric bill that is in danger of disconnect, OFF, needs new service established or transfer of service.
• An electric bill with PIPP default, or wants to enroll on PIPP
• A household member that is 60 or older.
• A statement signed by a physician that states a household member has a medical condition that would be improved by continued electric service or air conditioning. 
• To be eligible for an air conditioner or fan(s), you may not have received one for the past 3 program years (2021, 2022, 2023).

CAC will continue to have call-ins Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8am.  Call-ins are limited and will be first come first serve until all available appointments have been filled for the day.  These appointments go very quickly and are generally filled by 8:30am.   

To determine eligibility, you will be required to provide proof of income, citizenship, utility bills, detailed information about all household members, and proof of age and/or disability if applicable.   

• If claiming zero household income your specific situation will require additional documents, and tax transcripts for all adult household members may be needed.
• Individual circumstances sometimes require additional documentation.

All HEAP services are offered via phone interview.

You do not need an appointment to apply for HEAP and PIPP, or to re-verify PIPP.  You can visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov to start an online application.  You can also print out an application fill it out and drop it in our drop box with all required documents at 1036 West Main St, Ravenna. 
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Portage County residents can get on the call-in schedule by calling 330-297-1456 ext 0.  If you would like to speak to someone, call 330-297-1456 and press 1 for HEAP.  At this time scheduled appointments are booked through September 26th, however if there are cancellations, appointments may become available.  To check appointment availability call our toll free appointment line 234-703-4303. 

The Community Action Council of Portage County is accepting applications for water assistance programs.  The Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), a component of the Home Energy Assistance Program, provides assistance to eligible households that have a payment due on their water bill, are threatened with disconnection, have been disconnected or have to pay a deposit before new To qualify for these assistance programs, a household must have a gross household income at or below 175% of the federal poverty level — $25,515 for an individual, $34,510 for a two-person household, $43,505 for a three-person household or $52,500 for a four-person household.

Households seeking utility assistance must have a phone appointment and provide all required documentation.  Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, and proof of citizenship for all household members.  Other documentation may be required based on each household’s individual circumstances.  Applications will only be considered complete when all required documentation has been provided.

Portage County residents can call toll free 234-703-4303 or go online to https://app.capappointments.com  to schedule an appointment.  Appointments are scheduled up to three weeks in advance and must be made through the Agency’s 24 hour Interactive Voice Response scheduling system either by phone or online.
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CAC of Portage County also offers call-in appointments at its Ravenna office Monday through Thursday starting at 8 a.m. through 10 a.m. or until all the appointments are full.  The phone number for call-ins is 330-297-1456, ext 0.
 

The Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. will have funding available for Portage County households that meet program requirements. This year’s benefits include electric bill payments, window a/c units, fans, and a/c repair for central air. Eligible households may qualify for electric bill assistance up to $500 plus central air repair, a window air conditioner unit and/or tower fans.  Certain conditions apply for these benefits.
 
Appointments can be made through our 24 hour automated appointment system by calling 234-703-4303 or by going online to https://app.capappointments.com.  All appointments will be conducted by telephone interview. An intake specialist will call the client at the date and time of their appointment to start an application and discuss the documents that are required and how to turn the documents in.
 
If you are unable to get an appointment, you may call in Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8:00 am until all call in appointments are full. These appointments usually fill up by 8:30am.  For a same day appointment please call 330-297-1456 ext 0. More information on the program can be found at www.cacportage.net. You can obtain a medical eligibility form from the website or call to have one emailed to you.
 
Eligibility Guidelines for SCP:  The household must be at or below 175% of the federal income poverty level AND meet one of the following criteria:
 

• Have a household member 60 years old or older (no disconnect required);
• Have a medical form filled out by a doctor stating that assistance is beneficial due to a chronic illness, such as a breathing problem, heart issues and others based upon your doctor’s determination;
• Have a disconnection on their electric bill;
• Have an electric bill that has a PIPP default, or enrolling on PIPP for the first time

 
Other stipulations:

• Proof of age or a medical form may be needed to qualify for assistance
• The electric bill must be in an adult household members’ name
• The household cannot have received an air conditioner or fan from HEAP within the past 3 program years (2020, 2021, 2022).

 
All air conditioners and fans will be distributed through the Lowes store in Kent/Brimfield Township.
 
The income guidelines for the Summer Crisis Program are as follows:
 
Household Size           30 Day Income 175%         Annual Income 175%
           1                                   $2,097.12                              $25,515
           2                                   $2,836.43                              $34,510
           3                                   $3,575.75                              $43,505
           4                                   $4,315.07                              $52,500
           5                                   $5,054.38                              $61,495
           6                                   $5,793.70                              $70,490
           7                                   $6,533.01                              $79,485
           8                                   $7,272.32                              $88,480
Add'l Person                             $739.31                                $8,995