NEWS 25 WEHT Evansville, Henderson, OwensboroMore Applicants Seeking Heating Help This Winter

More Applicants Seeking Heating Help This Winter

story by Corey Allan

OWENSBORO - The thermostats are going up, and so are heating bills. For those struggling with the cost of keeping warm, Kentucky residents can apply at their local community action agency for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

"We see single moms, single dads, we see elderly seniors coming in, we have people in every class range," said Audubon Area Community Services lead coordinator Angie Ditch.

And the applicants keep coming. Ditch's office has hundreds of applications stacked up.

Because of job loss in the area, she says there's more this year seeking help.

"We're seeing approximately 60 people or so a day now here in Daviess County," said Ditch.

The state subsidy provides assistance to all eligible households, meaning if you qualify, you get cash for your heating bill. But if you need the help, you better hurry.

"As long as they come to us by December 11, we can assist them if they meet our qualifications," said Ditch.

For a family to qualify, a household of one must make at or below $1,174. For additional family members, tack on another $406. So for a family of four, the household income must be equal or under $2,389.

Many applicants I talked with wouldn't go on camera. One told me he was recently divorced and is out of a job. But thankful he can get some help with his utilities.

"There is no shame in coming to us. That's what we're here for," said Ditch.