Area IV receives Energy Assistance Program awards

With the winter heating season on the horizon, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) Board of Directors approved contracts dispersing almost $44 million in federal heating assistance throughout the state. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) federal block grant provides funding for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program and supplements the Indiana Weatherization Assistance Program.

"These funds will provide valuable services and assistance to our most vulnerable Hoosiers," said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, who serves as chair of IHCDA. "I hope every eligible person will utilize the assistance provided through these programs to ensure a warm and safe home this winter.

In addition to the federal funding given each year, LIHEAP recently awarded IHCDA with a $225,000 federal competitive grant. The grant was awarded to Indiana based on the commitment of local utility companies to provide home heating assistance to lowincome Hoosiers.

IHCDA allocates the Energy Assistance Program funding to Community Action Agencies, who then implement the programs locally. Last year, the Energy Assistance Program served more than 150,000 households and the Weatherization Assistance Program was used for more than 1,600 homes.

Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs Inc. that services Carroll, White, Tippecanoe and Clinton counties received $1,277,164 for energy assistance and $295,896 for weatherization programs.

For more information about these programs, call IHCDA at 800-872-0371.