Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1

 
Summer Crisis Program Starts July 1
 
The Ohio Development Services Agency and CAC of Portage County will help income-eligible Ohioans stay cool during the cold summer months. The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs from July 1 until September 30.
To apply for the program, clients are required to schedule an appointment with CAC.  Appointments can be scheduled by calling 234-703-4303, or via the web at https://cap.appointments.com .
Clients need to provide the following documents to complete an application:

• 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);
• Proof of age or Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health may be needed;
• Picture ID for household member applying for services.

 
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, are trying to establish new service on their electric bill, or require air conditioning. Conditions can include such things as lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or asthma.
 
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program, contact CAC at 330-297-1456 option 1. To be connected to your local Energy Assistance provider call (800)282-0880 (hearing impaired clients may dial 711 for assistance), or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.