KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffIllinois Heating Assistance Program open for appointments

Illinois Heating Assistance Program open for appointments

By Julia Bruck - bio | email

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (KFVS) - Leaves are falling and temperatures dropping which for many means it's time to turn the heat back on.  However, for some in the Heartland that warmth may not be affordable.  That is where the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help.

"We've had the heat on for a good month or so," Kay Turner said.

For Turner, like many, that means a higher utility bill.  But at the Turner home, the family of three lives on just one income.

"I have not worked for the past nine years and definately we've had to cut down on a lot of luxuries," Turner said. 

Therefore, Turner looked to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, for help.

"It saved 40 percent to 50 percent on our heating bill," Turner said.

The program is run through Crosswalk Community Action Agency in West Frankfort.  This winter Crosswalk will give out 2.4 million state and federal dollars to citizens in Franklin, Jefferson, and Williamson counties through LIHEAP.

"Anyone who meets the income guideline, and who has the utility bill in their name can apply for the heating assistance," said Amy Alexander, LIHEAP Assist Coordinator. 

Alexander says since September they have given out more than $1 million to the elderly and those with their power off.  But Alexander says many continue to come to the office in need. 

"Is the power still off," asked a Crosswalk employee.  "Yes," Lilli Mize said.

On this day, Mize fills out paper work in the hopes she will receive the assistance needed to turn her power back on.  However, if approved Mize will never see that the money.  That is because the dollars will go straight to her energy provider.  Turner says that makes it easier to keep the lights on at home.

"Any help you can get is going to help out," Turner said. 

Last winter Crossroads provided more than 7,000 households with LIHEAP dollars.  But to take part in the program you first must schedule an appointment.  Those begin Monday. 

Outreach Locations:

Franklin county- Crosswalk at 410 W. Main in West Frankfort 

Jefferson County- IL Dept. of Employment Security, 333 Potomac Blvd, Suite E, Mount Vernon

Williamson County- IL Dept. of Employment Security, 8195 Express Drive, Marion

For questions, call Crosswalk's main office at 618.937.3581.

©2009 KFVS. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.