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.