August 4 -- The Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, the LIHEAP grantee, has released $500,000 for the new Gulf Coast Energy Crisis Assistance Program to provide emergency aid to families affected by the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The program will offer one-time assistance of up to $1,000 to restore utilities or to prevent utilities from being shut off. Awards will be made on a first-come first-serve basis to eligible families and individuals in 13 parishes — St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Cameron, Iberia, St. Charles, Tangipahoa, and Vermillion.
“Reports from the parishes impacted by the disaster in the Gulf indicate that utility and energy assistance are greatly needed,” said Milton Bailey, LHFA president. “We anticipate that this energy crisis assistance will be able to help families get back on their feet as we continue to deal with the impacts from the oil leak.”
To participate, applicants must meet the LIHEAP federal guidelines and the agency’s established policy for LIHEAP crisis assistance. Participants must have a household income that does not exceed 60 percent of the state median income. More information is available by contacting the local parishes.
Source: Louisiana newspapers
