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Last updated 11:43 am CT September 02, 2010.
LIHEAP: Help With Heating
A drop in temperature often means you're cranking up your heat. And doing so can make your electric meter spin, and your head spin even faster...
"Since the winter months have come, it really has been very difficult. My electric bill has been, you know, higher."
While this woman wishes to remain anonymous, we all know her or someone like her. She's like 5,000 others in the area who have applied at Crosswalk Community Action Agency for heating help.
"You know, for me, I mean, I was embarrassed that I found myself in a situation like that. That I had to ask for help. But at the same time- I was glad it was there."
"I mean, if its available and you qualify- you need to get it," explains Kim Rutherford, Crosswalk coordinator for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. She says, she's seen a lot of new people sign up this year and attributes most of it to the economy...
"People are having to turn to programs like this to make it."
Rutherford says, Crosswalk started with more than $3-million to give, and still has more than a million dollars to dole out for energy assistance before May...
"So a lot of people have already received help, but there's still a lot out there that haven't. So we've got to reach the people that haven't had help yet."
And, those who have had help say, nothing ventured- nothing gained...
"Just try. I mean, I never thought about it and then when it was mentioned, it was just like a light bulb went off- like hello."
This specific program is called LIHEAP, and if you qualify, your corresponding agency can help pay the bill for at least part of your primary heating source.
Each county has a Community Action Agency:
Crosswalk: Jefferson, Franklin and Williamson counties
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council: Monroe, Randolph, Perry and Jackson counties
Wabash Area Development: Gallatin, Hamilton and Saline counties
Shawnee Development Council: the southern seven counties
By: Rachel Gartner
rgartner@wsiltv.com
Additional Links:
IL Community Action Agencies Listing
Now: 1283451804
