Summer Crisis & Low Income Water Assistance Programs offered at Community Action Council

The Community Action Council of Portage County is administering the Summer Crisis Program (SCP) from July 1st through September 30th., and the Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is available through September 30th. 

SCP can provide assistance on electric bills, and families may be eligible for a window air conditioning unit and/or fans. Central Air conditioning repair is also offered to households that qualify.
To qualify for SCP assistance, households must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, 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.    
• In order to be eligible for an air conditioner or fan(s), you may not have received one through HEAP for the past 3 program years (2020, 2021, 2022).

LIHWAP is available to help with water bills. The Low Income Household 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 have a water bill and meet the income guidelines may be eligible for this program.  
To determine eligibility for both programs, the following documents are needed:

• Most recent 30 days of household income (unless self-employed or seasonal, then 12 months of income is required)
• most recent heating bill
• most recent electric bill
• most recent water bill
• social security numbers for all household members
• proof of citizenship (can be birth certificate or social security card)
• proof of age if 60 or older
• proof of disability if applicable
• If claiming zero household income your specific situation will require other documents, and tax transcripts for all adult household members may be needed.
• Individual circumstances sometimes require additional documentation.

Portage County residents can schedule an appointment by calling our toll free appointment line 234-703-4303  or online at https://app.capappointments.com

Call-ins are available via phone interview on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting at 8:00am until all available appointments are scheduled. To schedule a same day call-in appointment call 330-297-1456 ext 0.  Do not leave a message, by the time messages are returned, all appointments are booked. 
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.
If you have additional questions not related to making an appointment, you can call CAC at 330-297-1456, and press option 1 for HEAP.
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