2024-09-05
Maine winters can be brutal, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
For low-income families struggling to pay for heat, the cold weather brings added challenges and stresses. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical help for Maine's most vulnerable citizens during the winter months.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps homeowners and renters pay for heating costs and heating system repairs.
In Maine, the program is administered by MaineHousing and provides aid to residents who meet income eligibility requirements. For a family of four, the maximum income is $53,000 per year. Those who already receive government assistance through SNAP or SSI automatically qualify.
The need for LIHEAP has never been greater, as energy prices remain high and many families face job losses or reduced work hours due to the pandemic. So far this winter, LIHEAP has provided heating assistance to over 50,000 Maine households—but many more still require help.
MaineHousing is urging all who may qualify to apply for the program as soon as possible.
Daniel Brennan, Executive Director of MaineHousing, emphasized the importance of the program in a recent statement: "We want to get the word out so people can gain access to the heating help they so desperately need."
In addition to the regular LIHEAP program, crisis funds are available for those in immediate danger of losing their heat. LIHEAP provides a vital lifeline, allowing vulnerable Mainers to stay safe and warm during the coldest months.
The challenges of COVID-19 have impacted people from all walks of life, but those already struggling to afford basic necessities have been hit the hardest. Programs like LIHEAP provide critical relief when it's needed most.
Staying warm in the winter shouldn't be a luxury, and with LIHEAP, it doesn't have to be. If paying for heat is a concern for you or someone you know, be sure to check if you qualify and apply as soon as possible. Together, we can make it through.
Help for Maine's Vulnerable: LIHEAP Provides Critical Heating Assistance
Maine winters can be brutal, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
For low-income families struggling to pay for heat, the cold weather brings added challenges and stresses. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical help for Maine's most vulnerable citizens during the winter months.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps homeowners and renters pay for heating costs and heating system repairs.
In Maine, the program is administered by MaineHousing and provides aid to residents who meet income eligibility requirements. For a family of four, the maximum income is $53,000 per year. Those who already receive government assistance through SNAP or SSI automatically qualify.
The need for LIHEAP has never been greater, as energy prices remain high and many families face job losses or reduced work hours due to the pandemic. So far this winter, LIHEAP has provided heating assistance to over 50,000 Maine households—but many more still require help.
MaineHousing is urging all who may qualify to apply for the program as soon as possible.
Daniel Brennan, Executive Director of MaineHousing, emphasized the importance of the program in a recent statement: "We want to get the word out so people can gain access to the heating help they so desperately need."
In addition to the regular LIHEAP program, crisis funds are available for those in immediate danger of losing their heat. LIHEAP provides a vital lifeline, allowing vulnerable Mainers to stay safe and warm during the coldest months.
The challenges of COVID-19 have impacted people from all walks of life, but those already struggling to afford basic necessities have been hit the hardest. Programs like LIHEAP provide critical relief when it's needed most.
Staying warm in the winter shouldn't be a luxury, and with LIHEAP, it doesn't have to be. If paying for heat is a concern for you or someone you know, be sure to check if you qualify and apply as soon as possible. Together, we can make it through.
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