Winter crisis program offers gift of warmth

<h2>Ohio News Connection</h2> <p>It's beginning to feel a lot like winter in the Buckeye State, and the <a href="https://ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/site/residents/resources/heap-winter-crisis-program" target="_blank">Winter Crisis Program</a> offers the gift of warmth to Ohioans burdened by their home heating bills.<br> <br> The program is part of the <a href="https://development.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/development/individual/energy-assistance/1-home-energy-assistance-program" target="_blank">Home Energy Assistance Program</a> (HEAP), and offers one-time assistance to households that have been disconnected, are threatened with disconnection, are establishing a new utility service or have less than one-fourth supply of bulk fuel in their tank.<br> <br> Tim Brown, programs coordinator for the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron and Richmond Counties, said it is a crucial program helping Ohioans stay warm and safe in their homes.<br> <br> "A lot of our customers and clients have to make decisions during this time of year whether to eat or heat," Brown observed. "So I know that importance of getting our customers set up for the HEAP program, the regular HEAP, and the winter benefit as well."<br> <br> Households must have annual income at or below 175% of <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-01969/annual-update-of-the-hhs-poverty-guidelines" target="_blank">federal poverty guidelines</a>, which is about $46,000 dollars for a family of four. The program runs through the end of March.<br> <br> Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $175 to put towards a <a href="https://puco.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/puco/news/news-bureau-winter-heating" target="_blank">heating bill</a>, and must sign up for a payment plan if there is an outstanding balance after receiving assistance.<br> <br> Brown urged households to request help before the situation is dire, and their service is disconnected.<br> <br> "It is winter, and we really hate to see anybody go without service," Brown emphasized. "A