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Emergency Heap - Winter Crisis Program | Lorain County Community Action Agency

1825 East 28th Street, El Centro Opportunity Center, Lorain, OH 44055

Eligibility

- Serves households in Lorain County with gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. NOTE: Some income is deemed excludable such as income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old, child support paid-out, health insurance premiums, and some Medicare costs. - Either gas or electric service or both must have been disconnected or be in threat of being disconnected OR - Need to establish new service OR - Need to pay to transfer service OR - For those who use bulk fuel for heating, tank must be at 25% or less or have less than a 10-day supply AND - Must be a United States citizen.. NOTE: Household must not be currently using a Medical Certificate because this takes the household out of disconnect status.

Required documents

Applicants are required to present the following documentation: - Must complete and sign and application through the community action agency. - Photo ID. - Proof of income for the past 30 days (applicants receiving disability assistance must bring payment documentation). - Proof of income for the past 12 months is required for applicants who have had seasonal employment, do odd jobs, or are self-employed. If claiming zero income, must complete a no income form. - Social Security numbers for all members of household of any age. - Proof of citizenship for all household members.. - If applicant pays gas and electric, the applicant must bring BOTH utility bills even if the applicant is only receiving assistance with one. - For renters, must have landlord information (name, address, and phone number). - Pending account numbers if gas/electric service is off. - If you use bulk fuel (wood, propane, fuel oil, coal) must have account number.

Hours

In person appointments are scheduled for Fridays from Friday November 7th, 2025 through Friday March 27th, 2026.
(888) 245-2009

Voice - voice | Administrative

(440) 245-1870

Voice - voice | Questions about an existing application

(440) 457-0337

Fax - fax | Main office

(440) 752-2051

Voice - voice | HEAP Appointment

(440) 245-3085

Fax - fax | Administrative

(440) 204-3179

Voice - voice | Community Connections program

https://www.lccaa.net

Languages

None.

Application process

- For appointments at Office on Aging Wellington: Call 440-731-2640 to schedule an in person appointment. - For appointments at El Centro: Call 440-752-2051 to schedule an in-person appointment.

Fees

- No fee to apply. - Utility reconnection fee is not covered. A reconnection fee may have to be paid to the utility before the utility is turned back on.

Service area

Lorain County, Ohio

Description

Provides financial assistance to reconnect or maintain home heating services for eligible households once per heating season. Generally assists with a payment up to: - $175 for PUCO regulated companies. - $750 for non-PUCO regulated utilities (such as a municipal utility). - $1,200 for those who use bulk fuel (oil, propane, kerosene, or bottled gas). - $650 for coal, wood or solid fuels. - $1,500 in heating unit repairs or replacements. NOTE: Scheduling an appointment automatically places a 1-time hold on disconnection for REGULATED utilities until after the scheduled appointment date (unless a previous hold was placed on the customer's account). The appointment must be at least 48 hours before the scheduled disconnection and the utility account number must have been entered. - Customers are only allowed one (1) disconnection hold for an assistance appointment per Winter Crisis Program (WCP) season. - Rescheduling or missing appointment removes the hold and possibly triggers loss of service.

Data provided by

211 Summit

Providing organization

Lorain County Community Action Agency

Works to eliminate the causes of poverty and improve the overall quality of life for citizens of Lorain County. Services include Head Start, Pathways Hub, Home Energy Assistance Program, and Produce Center.