PCA announces delay in winter energy funding for local needy individuals

Energy Funding Distribution Delays result in Suspension of Energy Application Intake (effective December 1, 2017) for most needy low-income individuals and families in DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, and Walton Counties. 

Decatur, Georgia——The Partnership for Community Action, Inc. (PCA) regrets to announce that delays in the distribution of funding has severely impacted delivery of service to thousands of low-income qualifying clients in its service areas of DeKalb, Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton, and Walton Counties. These federal funds are allocated to the state through the Georgia Department of Human Services to provide assistance with heating bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  Those that are eligible, and have not previously applied during the program year would normally be eligible to apply for this one time heating assistance payment of either $310 or $350 to help with the high cost of winter heating bills.

As of December 1, 2017, the program has temporarily delayed operations of LIHEAP services until it receives the second allocation of funding to serve the remaining senior households and the general public.  PCA remains eager to begin administering LIHEAP services to eligible clients once additional funds are received.  Having served in excess of 22,000 low-income clients in our FY16 LIHEAP program year – we realize, first hand, the impact and hardship delayed funding and the suspension of LIHEAP services is having on our low-income clients. PCA serviced over 1,600 Senior households and medically homebound households with the funding received in the first allocation.

As always, PCA remains committed to meeting the needs of its low-income clients and we intend to expedited delivery of LIHEAP services once the first allocation of funding is received by the Agency.