The Home Energy Assistance Program still has funding to provide one month's assistance

to county residents struggling with the high cost of heating their homes.

"We want to let people know that these funds are still available to them," Shirley Harmon, director of the HEAP program, said.

Administered by the Ironton-Lawrence County Area Community Action Organization for more than 25 years, the emergency relief program began its winter session Nov. 1 and will end March 31, 2003.

Since the program that is funded by Ohio's Department of Home Energy Assistance began in November, 1,360 households have received aid, she said.

Harmon said people absolutely depend on the program. Approximately 2,500 people take advantage of the service each year.

On the average, the program provides about $175 towards the heating bills for one month only, Harmon said.

To be financially eligible, the applicant's household must fall on or below the 150 percent poverty guidelines set by the state. This varies depending upon the number of household members.

Income guidelines include a total gross household income of $13, 290 for a household of one, $17,910 for two, $22, 530 for three, with an additional $4,620 added for each additional member.

In addition to meeting the financial requirements, resident must either have less than a 10 day supply of fuel or have received a disconnect notice for gas or electric.

Residents must bring documentation of

their social security numbers,

birth dates and the gross income for or all persons living at the the home

for at least the past three months, the landlord's name, address and telephone number and an electric and gas bill.

The program will pay up to a maximum of 15 percent of a person's gross monthly income that can be applied to all heating costs in total.

For more information, contact the CAO at 532-3534. In addition to normal business hours, the CAO will be open until 7 p.m. Monday evenings to help accommodate working families who cannot attend otherwise.