Lorain County Community Action Agency's Summer Crisis Program aims to provide relief from the heat

Relief for senior citizens and those in need from the summer heat is available through Sept. 30 through the Lorain County Community Action Agency's Summer Crisis Program. The annual program provides eligible households with a one-time benefit to assist with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs and air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases. The main qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line: $54,600 for a family of four in 2024. Residents at that poverty level qualify for help if they also meet at least one of the following criteria: At least one household member is age 60 or over. A household member has a documented medical condition worsened by extreme heat. Their electric service has been disconnected or they have received a disconnect notice. They are trying to establish new service. They are enrolling in Ohio's Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus for the first time. They are an existing Percentage of Income Payment Plan customer in default. Benefits remain at levels expanded during the pandemic. Customers of regulated utilities can receive up to $500 in assistance. Customers of unregulated utilities can receive up to $800. Eligible clients can also receive up to $1,500 for central air conditioning repairs. Residents who have not received an air conditioner from LCCAA in the last three years can request a unit. Electric box fans will also be distributed. Residents who have received air conditioners in the past three years may be eligible for a fan. Distribution of air conditioners and fans will be subject to availability. Appointments are required, must be made online, and will be conducted over the phone. Make your appointment by going to the website: lccaa.net/programs/energyservices/summer_crisis. Limited in-person services are offered at three locations in the county: Seniors only can walk in from 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lorain County Office on Aging, 534 S. Abbe Road in Elyria Mondays through Friday. Those 60 and over who are not comfortable making an online appointment may walk in during those hours. Anyone may walk in to Second Baptist Church at 427 Chapman Lane, Elyria from 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. No appointments are needed at this site. In Wellington, appointments are required to be seen on Fridays at the Lorain County Office on Aging location at 105 Maple St. Call (440) 731-2640 to make an appointment. Secure drop boxes are available at all locations for required documents. Required documentation includes: income information for all household members 18 years of age or older for the last 30 days; any member reporting "no income" must complete a no income form and additional documentation may be requested; proof of citizenship for all household members; most-recent electric and gas bills; and proof of medical condition if applicable (documentation signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse practitioner). For a complete list of countable income, visit lccaa.net. Additional information may be required. Visit lccaa.net or call (440) 245-1870 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday if you have questions.