FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Susan Oliver, Human Services
                (941) 652-7916

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 16, 2001) – Low-income households needing one-time assistance with energy costs can get help from Lee County.

The Lee County Department of Human Services has received funding to administer the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) locally. The program is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Florida receives a grant of about $14 million a year to help low-income individuals pay for home heating and cooling costs. The local allotment is about $167,240 a year.

Households experiencing high utility costs for the period November 1, 2000 through March 30, 2001 are now eligible for weather related benefits up to $1,000, while funds remain available.

Beginning April 1, two more components of the program become available:

• LIHEAP home energy assistance provides for a one-time benefit on an annual basis to households that meet certain income and other requirements.

• LIHEAP’s crisis component can pay up to $300 toward a past-due bill or deposit.

The program does not pay monthly utility bills.

Twenty applications per day are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at the Department of Human Services, 3 Pondella Road, Suite 1, North Fort Myers.
Proof of all household income and an original utility bill is required.

Annual income guidelines for the program are $10,437 for a household of one, $14,062 for a household of two, on up to $35,812 for a family of 8. Adjustments are made for earned income.

For further information, contact Lee County Human Services at 652-7900 or toll-free at (866) 408-9769.