Summer Crisis Program Begins July 1

More than 55,000 Ohio households served in 2025
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and Community Action Council of Portage County are once again offering assistance to help Ohio’s families stay cool during the hot summer months.
 
From July 1 through Sept. 30, income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, receiving an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Service’s Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (HEAP).
 
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households that have a disconnection notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, households with a person 60 years or older or households who have someone living in the home who can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for their health. Qualifying medical conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and others.   
 
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of up to seven members, and 60 percent of the State Median Income for a family of eight or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $57,750.  
 
Last year, the Summer Crisis Program assisted more than 55,000 households in Ohio, providing a total of $12.4 million in benefits.
 
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with Community Action Council of Portage County. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 234-703-4303 or online at https://app.capappointments.com.  There are also limited same day appointments that can be accessed by calling 330-297-1456 ext 0.  Same day appointments are available Monday through Thursday starting at 8 am and fill up quickly.   
Clients need to provide the following documents to complete their application: 

• Copies of their most recent energy bills. 
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member. 
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members. 
• Proof of disability (if applicable). 
• Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health (only needed if the household is not eligible in any other way).

 
For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, and what is needed to apply, contact CAC of Portage County at330-297-1456 ext 0 for the receptionist.
               
 
 For more information, contact:
CAC of Portage County
1036 West Main St.
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
330-297-1456
Option 1 for HEAP Department
[email protected]