Funds available for limited time for heating unit repairs. Residents can get no-cost repairs through SEDA-COG

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is reminding residents that CARES funds to repair or replace their home heating units are available through Aug. 31 or until funds are spent.

This service is available to income-qualifying residents in Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, said there are still funds left and urged residents to apply.

“Many people are facing financial hardships right now, and we want to let people know these funds are still available. Because it’s summer, many people aren’t thinking about repairing or replacing their heating units, but it’s the perfect time to do repairs since the funds are available and it’s warm out,” Fox said.

For those whose heat source is malfunctioning, they should call their county assistance office. The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

SEDA-COG and its subcontractors will follow Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and use the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during home visits. SEDA-COG asks those who have been sick, have symptoms or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 that they reschedule their appointments.

COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES

Columbia: 570-387-4200
Juniata: 717-436-2158
Mifflin: 717-248-6746
Montour: 570-275-7430
Perry: 1-800-991-1929
Snyder: 570-374-8126
Union: 570-524-2201

For more information on the recovery program, call SEDA-COG’s Christine Bohart at 570-522-7219 or visit https://bit.ly/2WV26pJ.

Residents can get no-cost repairs through SEDA-COG

Residents in a seven-county area may qualify to get their heating unit repaired or replaced at no cost now through August, thanks to CARES Act funds awarded to SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)

The Cold Weather Crisis program normally ends April 10, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a new program open from May 18 through Aug. 31 or until funds are spent. It is called the LIHEAP Recovery Crisis Program.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, said the timing is crucial for many families.

“This is a benefit to those who may have lost their jobs or substantial income due to the pandemic and may not have qualified when the regular Cold Weather Crisis program closed,” Fox said.

The $159,000 CARES funds awarded to SEDA-COG is to repair or replace heating units.

SEDA-COG’s program is for those who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties.

For those whose heat source is malfunctioning, they should call their county assistance office. The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

SEDA-COG and its subcontractors will follow Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and use the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during home visits. SEDA-COG asks those who have been sick, have symptoms, or have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 that they reschedule their appointments.

COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES

  • Columbia: 570-387-4200
  • Juniata: 717-436-2158
  • Mifflin: 717-248-6746
  • Montour: 570-275-7430
  • Perry: 1-800-991-1929
  • Snyder: 570-374-8126
  • Union: 570-524-2201

For more information on the recovery program, call SEDA-COG’s Christine Bohart at 570-522-7219 or visit https://bit.ly/2WV26pJ.

Heating units repaired at no cost for qualifying residents

With colder weather arriving, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) offers a Crisis program to residents who qualify for fuel assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

The Crisis program repairs a malfunctioning heating unit at no cost. This program runs from Nov. 1 to April 10.

Mandy Fox, chief of SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program, said this is an important offering of which many people aren’t aware.

“Many people don’t know we offer a program that can resolve their heating emergency at no cost, if qualified. Our subcontractors respond to these heating emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week providing clients with one warm room until the issue is resolved,” Fox said.

For residents whose heat source is malfunctioning, they should call their county assistance office. The county assistance office will forward the completed referral to SEDA-COG to assign to a subcontractor.

SEDA-COG’s Weatherization program serves a seven-county area: Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Perry, Snyder, and Union.

If residents don’t qualify for LIHEAP or Crisis assistance, they may still qualify for SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services. SEDA-COG’s Weatherization services may provide furnace repair, although it is not immediate help, as it would be through Crisis.

CRISIS INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

Family size: 1 – $18,735; 2 – $25,365; 3 – $31,995; 4 – $38,625; 5 – $45,255; 6 – $51,885; 7 – $58,515; 8 – $65,145.

COUNTY ASSISTANCE OFFICES

Columbia: 570-387-4200
Juniata: 717-436-2158
Mifflin: 717-248-6746
Montour: 570-275-7430
Perry: 1-800-991-1929
Snyder: 570-374-8126
Union: 570-524-2201