Tuesday, Jan 24 2012 4:17PM
The HHS provided $863 million to organizations to help low-income residents pay for home energy this year.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provided $863 million to organizations nationwide to help low-income residents with energy assistance.
The agency granted the funds as part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which aims to help disadvantaged households pay for heating during winter, cooling during summer and other home energy expenses.
"Many Americans make difficult decisions whether it's paying for rent, food and heating costs, which can add a real strain on families," said Office of Community Services Director Jeannie Chaffin. "We are releasing these funds today to help as many families as possible get through this winter season safe and warm."
The HHS Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, George Sheldon, said the LIHEAP funding is essential to assist low-income homeowners and renters, which includes tribal residents, pay their energy bills.
Funding from LIHEAP and other similar programs is needed in many areas of the U.S. According to a report by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, 35 percent of LIHEAP recipients were unemployed at some point during 2011.
For further information, check out these sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
National Energy Assistance Directors Association