Winter Crisis Program assists more than 1,100 households

The Winter Crisis Program through Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) helped more than 1,100 households in northwest Ohio with heating needs this winter.

The program, which ran Nov. 1, 2022-March 30, 2023, helped Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County residents with utility payments to prevent shut-offs or restore utilities, or helped by replenishing propane, kerosene, or other heating supplies.

In addition to home heating help, GLCAP processed nearly 1,000 applications for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus program during the winter season. The PIPP Plus program helps utility customers set up affordable utility payments based on income. PIPP Plus runs year-round, and customers may continue to apply for the program through GLCAP.

“Utility customers on PIPP Plus can reduce utility costs, have more predictable monthly bills, and even eliminate past utility debt by making regular, on-time payments through the program,” GLCAP Energy Assistance Manager Joyce McCauley-Benner said.

PIPP Plus through GLCAP is available to Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County households at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $48,563/household of four). Details are available at www.glcap.org/pipp or by calling 567-432-5046 to set up an appointment.