NECAC expects additional funding for energy assistance

Posted 11/7/19

The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) expects additional funding to assist qualifying families and individuals with energy assistance throughout its 12-county service …

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NECAC expects additional funding for energy assistance

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The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) expects additional funding to assist qualifying families and individuals with energy assistance throughout its 12-county service area.Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has announced that the Missouri Department of Social Services is making more than $4.5 million in additional federal funds available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).“With temperatures across Missouri dipping below freezing, we want to make sure that families in need are able to stay warm without having their heat shut off, or going into the spring with a winter’s worth of debt,” Nixon said.“It is imperative for Missourians to stay warm to remain safe and healthy, especially during periods of extreme cold,” said Department of Social Services Director Brian Kinkade.NECAC is unsure of how much it will receive, will be grateful for the additional funding, according to the agency’s Emergency Services Coordinator Linda Fritz.“We’ve seen that the need is greater than ever this year,” Fritz said. “The additional funding will help us serve more people.”The additional money will bring the total amount of funding available for the winter portion of the program to $18.6 million statewide.Eligibility for energy assistance is based upon income, the number of people per household and the type of heating source.LIHEAP assists with paying part of the energy bills of income-qualifying people. Eligible households could receive a minimum of $45 up to a maximum of $450, depending upon the type of heating source.In addition, people who receive a utility shut-off notice also may qualify for assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Each energy assistance qualifying household can get up to $800 to help prevent disconnection of their utilities.The programs run through March 31. During the winter heating assistance season last year, NECAC served more than 4,000 households.For more information, please call 636-456-8191 or visit the Warren County Service Center at 120 E. Main in Warrenton.NECAC


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