Eblen Charities, Buncombe Co. Health and Human Services team up to provide heating assistance

Press release from Eblen Charities:

Now many who seek heating assistance through these cold winter months will be receiving additional help thanks to the partnership between Buncombe County Health and Human Services the Eblen Energy Project of the Eblen Charities.

Beginning December 2nd, Eblen Charities will begin began administering the Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) for Buncombe County.

LIEAP is a Federally funded program that provides for a one-time payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Households containing a member who is 60 years old or older or having anyone who is disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services and are at least 130% of the poverty level are eligible to receive benefits from December 2nd through January 31st.

Beginning, February 1st, any home having anyone who is disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services

and are at least 130% of the poverty level can receive benefits through March 31st

Even families who may have received assistance through other heating and utility assistance programs may be eligible for the LIEAP funds giving these hard working and deserving families a little extra breathing room as the cold winter arrives.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program funds assist households that are vulnerable due to heating costs and who pay a separate heating bill.

In partnership with Buncombe County Department of Social Services the Low Income Energy Assistance Program is open to all households at 130% of poverty level (example: single member household $1,180, family of two $1,594, family of four $2,422) and provides a one-time vendor payment of $200 for homes that use electricity, natural gas , wood or coal as their primary heat source or $400 for homes that use fuel oil, kerosene, or LP gas as their primary heat source.

“We greatly appreciate the opportunity to again partner with Buncombe County and the Department of Health and Human Services with LIEAP program this year and to help provide additional assistance to help our families keep warm this winter,” states Bill Murdock, Executive Director of the Eblen Charities.“ We have a great responsibility to find ways to reach out and keep those who are most susceptible to the cold keep warm this winter and thanks to adding the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, a great many who seek help through Eblen will not be left out in the cold. Those who come to our office are not just part of the statistics we track, but each one is someone’s mother, father, son, or daughter. The are all special to someone and they all are special to us.”
How to Apply:

Individuals and families are encouraged to apply at the Eblen Charities Waddell Client Service Center at 50 Westgate Parkway in the Westgate Shopping Center anytime from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Applicants must bring in proof of income, photo ID, and Social Security cards for everyone in the home.

If unable to apply in person, phone applications may be taken by calling 828-255-3066. The completed application will be mailed for signature along with instructions regarding other documents needed to process application.

If you are in need of assistance, or for more information please contact please contact Eblen Charities at 828-255-3066 or visit www.eblencharities.org and click on the LIEAP link.