OHIO — As dangerously cold Arctic air settles over northeast Ohio this week, Cuyahoga County officials are reminding residents that emergency help is available for those struggling to pay heating and utility bills.
Step Forward’s Energy Assistance Services announced in a media release that the agency is encouraging eligible households to apply for the Winter Crisis Program before conditions worsen. The program provides a one-time emergency benefit to families at risk of having utilities disconnected, those who have already lost service, or those with less than 25 percent of bulk fuel remaining.
“In just the first three weeks of this year’s Winter Crisis Program, we’ve already served more than 1,500 walk-in crisis clients – a clear sign of how serious the need is across Cuyahoga County,” said Douglass Bennett, Step Forward’s Vice President of Community Services and External Affairs. He emphasized that access to heat and electricity is essential for public safety during extreme cold.
To qualify, Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines — for example, an annual income of $52,500 or less for a family of four.
Walk-in services are offered Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon at 2203 Superior Avenue in Cleveland. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and clients must bring all required documentation.
Residents without transportation or unable to use walk-in services may schedule phone appointments by calling 216-480-HEAP or visiting stepforward.itfrontdesk.com.
