Many North Carolina families have experienced difficulty paying for fuel to heat their homes.
Low income households often have difficulty paying for the ever-rising cost of heating fuel, propane or electric. Fortunately, North Carolina has several programs in place that offer assistance to families for the cost of their household energy needs as well as weatherization and other methods of reducing energy consumption. There are both long-range management programs and programs that provide immediate emergency funding.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
North Carolina families can find help through charities and public programs.
The United States government provides funds through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEHEAP). The funds are dispersed to North Carolina through block grants designed to assist households that spend a large percentage of their income to meet basic home energy needs. Low-income residents of North Carolina may apply with North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, a legal alien or the holder of a green card. Applications are based on economic need, weather conditions and the percentage of income required to meet basic household energy needs. For additional information about applying for LIHEAP, contact North Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program at 800-662-7030 (Care Line).
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Crisis Assistance Ministries helps familes with past due utility bills.
Crisis Ministries of Charlotte, North Carolina, provides assistance to low-income families that have been living in their residence for a minimum of 60 days and are faced with utilities that are scheduled to be turned off or have been disconnected. Crisis Assistance Ministries functions as a financial emergency room and applicants are seen on a first-come basis.
Western Wake Crisis Ministries
Western Wake Crisis Ministries, located in Apex, North Carolina, provides emergency assistance to residents of Wake County. Low-income households in need of emergency assistance with rent, utilities or food may apply for help.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Cash Assistance
TANF is a program to assist families with emergency cash needs for food and energy.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a cash assistance program that provides monthly cash benefits to very low-income households and families based on economic need. The program is designed to help recipients achieve gainful employment and financial stability so that assistance is no longer needed. Maximum benefits of the program range from $200 to nearly $1,000 for a family of three. Contact the Department of Health and Human Services to apply.
Crisis Control Ministry
Crisis Control Ministry in Kernersville, North Carolina, is a Christian-based ministry that offers emergency assistance to low-income families and households. Assistance with food, rent and utilities is provided.
North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), helps low-income households save on utility bills and reduce energy expenses through the installation of additional insulation and other methods of energy conservation. The program also provides educational materials to help households reduce their energy consumption.
Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP)
The heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) works with the Weatherization Assistance Program to assist in the cost of repairs and/or replacement of inefficient heating and air conditioning systems in the homes of low-income families. The program primarily focuses on assistance to low-income individuals with disabilities, the elderly and families with small children.
Tags: North Carolina, Energy Assistance, assistance low-income, Assistance Program, Assistance Program, Crisis Assistance, Crisis Ministries
