With the recent announcement from the federal government that funding for a vital program that assists Greene County residents has been guaranteed for this year.

Sources say the money that is allocated from the federal government for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is locked in for this season, Greene County New Opportunities Coordinator Teresa Lansman is encouraging more households to apply. She states that over 300 households have ‘signed up for LIHEAP, which is based on the 200 percent below poverty line guidelines. 

Lansman points out that LIHEAP allows for qualified households to receive a lump sum of money that is to be used for the additional heating costs during the colder stretches of the winter season. She notes that they are accepting applications until April 30th, but that this program prevents households from having their gas and electricity from being shut off until April 1st. 

Lansman says when scheduling an appointment to register for LIHEAP, make sure you have Social Security cards or driver’s licenses for everyone in the home, along with proof of income for the last 30 days and the most recent gas and electric billing statements. Contact New Opportunities Greene County at 515-386-2719 to schedule an appointment.