MONTGOMERY – The governor of Alabama was in the holiday spirit of giving Monday to those who need financial help with utility costs when temperatures rise and fall with the change of seasons in the Heart of Dixie.
Gov. Kay Ivey’s office announced she has awarded more than $46 million in grants to 18 community service agencies – including four in North Alabama – that provide emergency assistance to help low-income households cover the costs of staying warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
“High energy bills can be an overwhelming burden for families that are already struggling to meet their basic needs,” Ivey said. “These grants will help low-income Alabama residents weather the cold winter ahead as well as the hot summer months to come.”
Organizations that serve North Alabama:
- Community Action Agency of Northwest Alabama (Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties): $1.75 million.
- Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties (Madison and Limestone counties): $2.87 million.
- Community Action Partnership of North Alabama (Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Morgan, Winston counties): $2.46 million.
- Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama (Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, St. Clair counties): $9.94 million. caaneal.org
According to the news release, the community agencies accept applications at the local level from residents seeking help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Adequate heating and cooling are essential to any household, particularly for the elderly and other vulnerable populations,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “ADECA joins Governor Ivey in support of these community agencies that provide relief to those in need.”
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