The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices.
Ashley Skipper, LIHEAP Manager at Louisiana Community Action Association in Harrisonburg, is busy helping clients in Catahoula Parish with their home energy expenses. Skipper believes in the programs goal to help keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.
The LIHEAP program may aid with heating/ cooling bill payment, crisis bill payment, and heating/cooling equipment repair or replacement. Still in the cooling period of the program, Skipper stated, “We have received additional funds for cooling benefits.” A client only qualifies if they have not already received cooling assistance in 2023. Call 318-389-4810 to apply for energy assistance before the deadline of December 31, 2023.
Moving into the winter months, heating funds should become available on November 15, 2023, to help pay gas or light bills. LCAA takes phone calls on the third Thursday of every month for the program, November’s call day falls on November 16th.
It is a first come, first service program, so clients are encouraged to act quickly. Household income determines the minimum requirements for energy assistance. See the 2023 LIHEAP 60 percent estimated state median income levels on