East Missouri Action Agency to help heat low income homes

Despite the recent batch of unseasonable warmth in the area, the East Missouri Action Agency has its attention focused on the colder months ahead. As in past years, the regional community action organization recently received state funding to help keep some local homes and their occupants warm this winter.

On Oct. 18, the EMAA announced that it had received $459,591 in state funds to provide heating assistance to low-income families during the winter months -- Nov. 1 through May 15 -- of 2004 and 2005. Distribution of the funds will begin on Nov. 1 through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program.

The Energy Crisis Intervention Program is a first-come, first-serve program available to anyone that meets the agency's low-income and family size criteria. Gretchen Weber, community service representative for the Cape Girardeau County EMAA office said that anyone who receives a disconnect notice from their heating company is eligible and can therefore apply. They will then be evaluated by their income from the previous month.

Furthermore, this year the requirement for the disconnect notice has been waived for the elderly -- those 65 and older. Weber said the reason for this is the rising energy costs combined with the fact that most elderly live on fixed incomes, such as Social Security. She emphasized, however, that anyone below age 65 must present a disconnect notice to be eligible.

Weber said funding is provided on a monthly basis and that it will be capped at $300 per household. The EMAA has offices in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve and Washington Counties.

For more information on the program or to apply for assistance, contact the EMAA outreach office in Bollinger County, (573) 238-4220; Cape Girardeau County, 334-5533; or Perry County, (573) 547-2014.

trehagen@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137