Emergency Utility Assistance Available

The Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. is sponsoring the Winter Crisis Program  from November 1 - March 31. CAC will have funding available for Portage County households that meet program requirements. This year’s benefits include assistance with heating bills, electric bills, bulk fuel, and furnace repair. Each household’s benefit will vary based on need and eligibility.

To be eligible, the household must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, AND meet one of the following criteria

• Have a gas or electric bill that has a disconnect notice or has been disconnected.
• Have less than 25% of fuel in your bulk fuel tank.
• Have less than 10 days’ supply of wood or pellets.
• Need to establish new service or transfer service for gas or electricity.
  

Households can make appointments by calling 234-703-4303 toll free, or online at https://app.capappointments.com.  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.

Scheduled appointments will be conducted via telephone interview. An Intake Specialist will call at the date and time of the scheduled appointment to start an application, discuss the documents that are required, and how to get the documents turned in.   Applicants will need to provide utility bills, proof of income, proof of citizenship, proof of disability if applicable, birthdate and social security numbers 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.

CAC of Portage County also offers Call-in Appointments (same day appointments) Monday through Thursday starting at 8:00am until all available appointments are booked. To make a call-in appointment call 330-297-1456 ext 0 or 267. You must be in an emergency status and speak to the receptionist to schedule a same day appointment.
To apply for regular HEAP benefit, and/or apply or re-verify for PIPP:

1. Go to www.energyhelp.ohio.gov and start an online application. Make sure to upload all the required documents. OR
2. Go to www.energyhelp.ohio.gov and print an application; fill it out and mail it, along with all required documents to:                                                                                                                                                                           CAC of Portage County

           PO BOX 917
           Ravenna, Ohio 44266

     3.  Go to www.energyhelp.ohio.gov and print an application; fill it out and drop it, along with all required documents in our dropbox at:   
           CAC of Portage County
          1036 West Main St.
           Ravenna, Ohio 44266