Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
With the winter heating season on the horizon, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority board of directors approved contracts dispersing almost $44 million in federal heating assistance throughout the state.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program federal block grant provides funding for the Indiana Energy Assistance Program and supplements the Indiana Weatherization Assistance Program.
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who serves as chair of IHCDA, said,
"These funds will provide valuable services and assistance to our most vulnerable Hoosiers. 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 low-income 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. For more information about these programs, call IHCDA at 800-872-0371.
Area awards include:
REAL Services Inc., serving Kosciusko, St. Joseph, Marshall, Elkhart and Fulton counties; Energy Assistance Program, $3,136,673; Weatherization, $498,263.
Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Services Inc., serving Cass, Miami, Howard, Tipton and Wabash counties; Energy Assistance Program, $1,608,424; Weatherization, $187,995.
Community Action of Northeast Indiana Inc., serving LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, DeKalb, Allen and Whitley Counties; Energy Assistance Program $3,144,826; Weatherization, $299,411.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority's mission is for every Hoosier to have the opportunity to live in safe, affordable, good-quality housing in economically stable communities. IHCDA believes that growing Indiana's economy starts at home. For more information, go to www.indianahousing.org
