November 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
CAC offers the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. It helps eligible Ohioans pay their home energy bill The benefit is applied directly to a customer's utility bill or bulk fuel bill. Customers may apply online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov. 
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What is the winter crisis program?
Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is a federally funded program administered in Portage County by CAC, and is available to provide assistance once per heating season (November 1st - March 31st) to eligible low-income households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten-day supply of bulk fuel. Customers must be below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for past 30 days. WCP will restore or maintain the primary heat source and/or secondary energy source up to State of Ohio maximum benefit of $175. Users of fuel oil/propane may receive a benefit of up to $750. Users of wood, coal and pellets may receive a benefit up to $450. The benefit is based on the total dollar amount needed to resolve the crisis situation for the primary and/or secondary energy source, and does not cover total debt owed by the client. A client co-payment may be necessary to resolve the crisis. Making Appointments
Appointments can be made by calling 1-234-703-4303 or 330-297-1456, option 1. We have an automated appointment system that is available 24 hours per day to schedule an appointment. You may also schedule your appointments online at https://app.capappointments.com (make sure that you accept your appointment and get a confirmation number. If you hang up without getting your confirmation number, the appointment will not save and is cancelled.) Scheduled appointments will be conducted via telephone interview. An intake specialist will call the customer at the date and time of their appointment to start an application and will discuss the documents that are required and how to turn the documents to CAC. Walk-ins or "call-ins" will be accepted Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8:00am. Information on the program and a regular HEAP application can be downloaded by accessing the agency's website at www.cacportage.net. For more information, please contact the Community Action Council of Portage County, PO Box 917, 1036 W. Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 @ (330) 297-1456, press 1 for HEAP. Fax: (330) 297-1463. Eligibilty requirements
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for HEAP, a household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines for the program. The guidelines are listed below: A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Documents needed for assistance
Documents needed for assistance:
common types of income
Below is a list of the most common types of income (your individual household situation may require you to bring something that is not listed below):
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summer crisis program
Summer Crisis Cooling (SCP)
Between July and August each year, CAC operates the Summer Crisis Cooling Program, or Summer HEAP. Regulations for this program may vary slightly from year to year. Under this program, any individual over 60 or with a respiratory condition may receive a one-time payment on their electric bill, and may be eligible for a new window air conditioner and/or fans. All applicants must also meet income guidelines. Contact CAC for more information at 330-297-1456 or via email at [email protected] .
This season's Summer Crisis Program has been expanded to assist the community in managing the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. SCP will be available July 1st through September 30th.
This year's benefits include electric bill payments, window a/c units, fans, and a/c repair for central air. Each household's benefit can be up to $500.00, and they will be eligible for a combination of these benefits based on household needs and eligibility.
To be eligible, the household has to be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines, AND meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a household member 60 years old or older
- Have a medical form filled out by a doctor, this can include a diagnosis of Covid-19 but due to HIPPA, does NOT have to specifically state COVID-19.
- Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and be willing to write and sign a statement of such.
- Have a disconnect on their electric bill
- Have an electric bill that has PIPP default, or enrolling on PIPP.
- Electric bill must be in an adult household members' name
- For air conditioner and fan benefits, household cannot have received an air conditioner or fan from HEAP within the past three (3) program years (2017, 2018, 2019).
Customers may begin making appointments on Wednesday, June 24th by calling 1-234-703-4303 toll free or online at https://app.capappointments.com.
Scheduled appointments will be conducted via telephone interview. An intake specialist will call the customer at the date and time of their appointment to start an application and will discuss the documents that are required and how to turn the documents to CAC.
Walk-ins or "call-ins" will be accepted Monday through Thursday mornings starting at 8:00am. Information on the program and a regular HEAP application can be downloaded by accessing the agency's website at www.cacportage.net. For more information, please contact the Community Action Council of Portage County, PO Box 917, 1036 W. Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266 @ (330) 297-1456, press 1 for HEAP. Fax: (330) 297-1463.