Winter Crisis Help Expands for Last Weeks of the Program

posted 3/8/18 -- Additional avenues of help are coming in the next two weeks as LCCAA’s Winter Crisis program winds down toward its end date, March 31.

LCCAA's HEAP Offices will have additional help available for customers of First Energy beginning March 1, and beginning March 6, LCCAA is adding walk-in hours at its Elyria office.

Already, more than 2,000 people have been helped by the program which began Nov. 1.

“Demand is up and we’re doing our best to respond to where and when people need help the most,” said Frank Prihoda, LCCAA’s Director of Planning and Community Services.

Existing First Energy customers living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line can receive assistance at any LCCAA office on a first come, first served basis. No disconnect notice or crisis situation is needed.

LCCAA’s Winter Crisis Program is available to households at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Line until March 31. The crisis program provides one-time help to pay a bill or reconnect heat if needed.

LCCAA serves clients at three locations: the main office at 936 Broadway in downtown Lorain, our long-time office in the Wellington Village Hall, 115 Willard Memorial Square and a new satellite location at St Agnes Church, 611 Lake Ave., Elyria.

The Elyria office has been by appointment only but walk-in hours are being added for the last weeks of the program. Walk-ins will be seen on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Elyria office will be by appointment only.

Residents who have received a disconnect notice are especially urged to call the HEAP hotline at 1-855-806-9620 to make an appointment. The automated line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Include your account number when making your appointment to hold your termination.

At the Lorain office, walk-in hours are Mondays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are available all day long as well. The Wellington Office sees walk-ins only in the morning and by appointment in the afternoon. Wellington is only open on Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the crisis period.

All sites are closed for lunch daily from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. All sites also offer enrollment in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan which operates year round and lowers bills to a level more manageable for the working poor. Residents must be living at or below 150% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for PIPP.

LCCAA's automated appointment line includes a recorded message describing the documents needed for the appointment. Those needing to do so may also speak to a representative during regular office hours.

The Winter Crisis Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency's Office of Community Assistance.