CLEARFIELD – Many Clearfield County residents find it difficult to purchase home heating fuel.
With the rising expenses of home utilities, area residents are finding it harder and harder to keep up. Now, as fall is fast approaching, many worry about the upcoming winter heating season.
There are programs available to help residents, such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). But many of those struggling find that they are over the 150 percent of Federal Poverty Income limits for the LIHEAP program.
To assist area residents with their home heating expenses this coming year, Central Pennsylvania Community Action (CPCA) is again offering the Home Heating Savings Account Program (HHSA). HHSA is open to households under the 200 percent Federal Poverty Income limits (i.e. a family of four can earn up to $47,100).
HHSA is a dollar-for-dollar match of the saver’s account that will be used to pay heating expenses. The program is designed not only to assist with heating payments, but also to strengthen the family’s savings habits along with educating them on utility reduction.
Through a generous grant from Northwest Savings Bank, CPCA will have 20 open enrollments for the program. In order to receive the matching funds, savers must open an account at Northwest Savings Bank or approved financial institution, and maintain a regular savings budget of at least $50 per month for four months.
During the program time, an additional $50 may be deposited to give the saver a match of up to $250. Also required is attendance to a financial workshop on “Budgeting” and “Utility Reduction.” The class will be offered twice during the duration of the program. Upon completion of the program, funds will be sent directly to your home heating supplier. Both fuel oil and natural gas suppliers will be accepted.
As per program guidelines, applicants must be under 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and have not more than $10,000 in assets. CPCA does not calculate your home or one vehicle in assessing assets. This is a first come first serve based program. Initial timeframe for the program will be September through December.
To enroll in the Home Heating Savings Account Program, please contact Julie Collins at 814-765-1551 or jcollins@cpcaa.net.
CPCA serves more than 16,000 unduplicated individuals annually through a vast array of services. CPCA’s primary services includes housing services, weatherization, rental housing, case management, food services, heating and utility assistance, employment assistance and training, consumer information and referral and transportation services.
CPCA’s mission is “strengthening our communities by helping families and individuals in Centre and Clearfield counties to become self-sufficient.”
For more information on CPCA programs please call CPCA at 814-765-1551 or 800-822-2610.