MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling approximately $43.8 million to help low-income households across Alabama cover home energy costs during the winter and summer months.
The funding will allow 18 community action agencies statewide to provide emergency assistance to residents who need help paying for heating or cooling their homes.
“The cost of heating a home during the coldest parts of winter and cooling it during the hottest parts of summer can pose a challenge for those who are most vulnerable and have extremely limited incomes,” Gov. Ivey said. “These grants will ensure that help is available to those who need it most during extreme weather.”
In Cherokee County, eligible residents may apply for assistance through their local community action agency, which administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, at the local level. The program helps qualifying households offset high utility costs during periods of extreme cold or heat.
The grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs using funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding includes both regular LIHEAP allocations and supplemental funding made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“This program is meant to help people who have the lowest income and those who are most vulnerable, including the elderly, people with disabilities and young children,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of ADECA. “ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting Alabamians who are in need of this emergency assistance.”
Cherokee County residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local community action agency for application details and eligibility requirements.
