Utility cost assistance available thanks to grant

WINSTON COUNTY - Help is coming to those who might need assistance paying their utility costs this summer.
Governor Kay Ivey has awarded grants statewide totaling $1.29 million to help low-income households with home energy costs.
Community Action Partnership of North Alabama - which serves Winston, Marion, Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan counties - has been awarded $69,061 to help low-income families cool and heat their homes.
“As these record hot summer months continue, many low-income residents may struggle to afford higher electric bills along with other expenses,” Ivey said. “These grants provide additional funding to assist in lowering cooling costs for many of them.”
Ivey awarded the grants to 18 community agencies that manage the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program at the local level and receive applications from individuals who wish to be considered for assistance according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.
 The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These grants are supplemental to grant funds of $26 million awarded by Gov. Ivey through the state’s yearly LIHEAP allocation earlier this year.
 “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in supporting those who most need assistance during this time,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “Our partnerships with local community agencies ensure that many who truly need assistance receive help with high utility bills.”
Franklin County residents, along with residents of Colbert and Lauderdale counties, can receive assistance through Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama Inc., which received $49,021.  The Walker County Community Action Agency has received $20,883 to help residents in the county it serves.
For more information on how to obtain assistance in Winston and Marion counties, please call (256) 355-7843.  For more information on how to receive information in Franklin County, call (256) 766-4330.  For more information on how to receive information in Walker County, call (205) 221-4010.