Mary Alice Reporting – Tuscarawas County residents can get a helping hand to keep cool during summer temperatures.

HARCATUS Tri-County and the Ohio Department of Development is helping low-income Ohioans through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program, which runs through September.

Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill, or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs.

Last year, more than 423 families in Harrison, Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties were assisted through this summer program.

For those wanting to apply, the household gross income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guideline and at an appointment, documents such as recent energy bill copies, a list of members and income, proof of citizenship, disability proof if applicable, or a physician documenting the need for cooling related to a members health.

More details or to schedule an appointment, contact HARCATUS at 855-806-9650.

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