Families can request information and assistance by calling hotline
Families seeking help to pay for heating or utility costs this winter can secure a place on the Energy Assistance waiting list beginning Sept. 1, 2010, by calling Oregon Coast Community Action. The assistance hotline will be open Sept. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2010, and those who would like to request assistance this winter are invited to call and place their name on the waiting list.Designed to assist eligible low-income families and seniors in our community with one-time payments toward a utility bill, the Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) offers funding annually through ORCCA. The hotline establishes the waiting list in order to provide services to our neighbors in need on a first-come, first-served basis.
Coos County residents can place their names on the list by calling (541) 888-7056; and Curry County residents can call (541) 888-7088. Those calling for assistance should leave a message with their name, address and phone number, ORCCA staff will mail out information and applications to those on the list, based on the order of the waiting list.
“For those who are struggling to pay their bills this summer or who need help with high utility bills in the winter, the Energy Assistance waiting list is a great place to seek help,” said Mary Schoen-Clark, CEO of Oregon Coast Community Action. “Many of our neighbors need help, but everyone can be a part of Community Action, just by volunteering time to help with ORCCA’s energy assistance program, donating food or funds, contributing professional services, and much more to help families in our community to thrive.”
In order to help as many families as possible, Community Action is reviewing applications for energy assistance earlier in the year. Once the application packet is received, application materials are required to be returned to ORCCA by Oct. 31, 2010. This will allow more families to receive assistance as quickly as possible.
Community outreach efforts are also ongoing, and ORCCA is continuing to offer free energy education workshops, which can provide tips and tricks to save as much as $200 a year on electric bills. Free workshops can be scheduled by calling 888-1574.
The Energy Services program is part of ORCCA’s Essential Services department. The program is partially funded by the Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Oregon Housing & Community Services, Pacific Power, and utility vendors in Coos & Curry counties, which helps to provide assistance for the high cost of utilities and offers education to local individuals and families.
Interviews available: Patricia Gouveia, Director of Essential Services
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