By Sam Thomas
BLOOMINGTON – Winter is just around the corner and that means many area residents can expect an uptick in their energy costs.
For those struggling to cover their utilities each month, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program-also known as LIHEAP-can be a critical resource.
Jenna Kearns is Director of Next Step and Housing Opportunities with Mid Central Community Action, and she says LIHEAP helps get low-income residents through the winter.
“It’s for low-income people to get help on their energy bill,” Kearns told WJBC’s Dan Swaney. “It’s focused on heating energy, so we want to help people through the winter time. We want to make sure they have a stable source of heating for their home.”
Kearns says that some residents might be unaware of the income requirements for the program.
“What it breaks down to is a family of one can have a monthly income of up to $1,485 and a family of four can earn up to $3,038,” she said.
The program began Thursday, Sep. 1 and concludes May 31, 2017. Qualifying residents should contact MCCA by phone at 309-829-0691 or by email at liheap.mclean@mccainc.org
The program has helped countless residents keep warm in the winter, but Illinois’ budget impasse nearly put the program in jeopardy just one year ago.
Kearns says legislators had to be educated on the importance of the program before a bill that released funding was passed in December.
“There was so much education that went on from last year that that is why this year [legislators] passed through the funding,” she said.
View the complete list of enrollment dates and guidelines on MCCA’s website at mccainc.org.
Sam Thomas can be reached at Sam@WJBC.com
