Ozark OCAP office to begin setting appointments for heating assistance

By: Ebony Horton | Dothan Eagle
Published: January 07, 2012

OZARK — Ozark residents who need financial assistance with their winter energy bills can begin calling the Organized Community Action Program on Monday to make an appointment.

Donna Devine, coordinator for the Ozark office, said the purpose of the appointments will be to determine eligibility for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps households with income up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level with energy expenses in the winter and summer.

For example, a single person must not have an annual income of more than $16,245 to qualify and a three and four-person household no more than $27,465 and $33,075, respectively, according to www.benefits.gov.

Devine said no walk-ins will be accepted Monday and that calls for appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 8 a.m.

The office usually receives funding to provide at least 140 residents with assistance, she said.

“In this economy we’ve seen more residents come for help with their bills but we’ve also received less funding. We hope to gain more funding in the future because the program has been a great benefit for people that may have been forced to choose between purchasing groceries or paying their bills,” she said.

Residents can reach OCAP by calling (334) 774-2011.