HAPCAP Winter Crisis Program Begins | Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Winter Crisis Program Begins November 1

Residents may call 1-740-868-1908 for an appointment

(GLOUSTER, OH) - The Winter Crisis Program at Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP) will begin on November 1, 2023.  Residents of Hocking, Athens, and Perry Counties may schedule their appointments by calling (740) 868-1908.

This program is designed to help households who are facing an emergency situation to maintain and/or restore electric or gas service. This program also provides bulk fuel (propane, wood, coal, fuel oil, kerosene) for eligible households. An emergency situation is defined as having a disconnect notice on your electric or natural gas, or having less than a 25% (tank) supply of bulk fuel such as propane, fuel oil, coal, or kerosene, or less than a 10-day supply of firewood. This assistance is available only once per heating season (November through March).

To qualify, you must be income-eligible and be in an emergency situation. Households with a total gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible.

“A warm and comfortable home should not be a luxury only some people can afford,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “This program does more than just provide financial assistance; it shows some of our most-vulnerable residents that we’re here to lend a helping hand when they need it most.”

Utility assistance appointments will be available via phone call or in person. Those needing assistance are urged to provide a reliable phone number that can be answered at the time of their scheduled appointment. We ask that all in-person clients bring their documents with them, which include:

• Citizenship for all household members
• Proof of income for the last 30 days
• Utility bills for the main source of heat, and electricity.

Benefit Amounts:

• Regulated utilities up to $175.00 (example: AEP, Columbia Gas)
• Non-regulated utilities up to $750.00 ( example: South Central Power, Glouster Electric)
• Bulk Fuels up to $1200.00 for a one time fill (example: propane, fuel oil)
• Firewood up to $650.00
• Furnace repair up to $1500.00

Call 740-868-1908 and make an appointment. We can only book appointments out 28 days in advance, so please call the next day if all appointments are full.  This phone line is open 24/7.

If you have a disconnect scheduled for today or tomorrow, or if you are out of firewood or bulk fuels, call your county’s office for an emergency same day appointment:

Hocking County – (740) 385-6813

Athens County – (740) 767-4500

Perry County – (740) 342-4113

These will be provided first-come, first-served.

Click HERE to view/download the benefit guidelines for 2023 in PDF format.

For more information about the Winter Crisis Program, please call Sabrina Warren at (740) 767-4500.