LIHEAP crisis grant program opens

(Harrisburg) — As temperatures dip across the midstate, the commonwealth is working to help needy families pay their heating bills.

The crisis grant component of the Low Income Home Heating Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is designed to help low income families with emergencies such as broken equipment or lack of fuel.

State department of Public Welfare spokeswoman Donna Morgan says people in those situations should seek grants rather than use potentially dangerous methods like space heaters.

“Too often, we see people use unsafe methods, unsafe heating equipment,” Morgan says. “We want them to get their furnaces repaired properly, so there’s no CO2, there’s no fire, so apply for this and get the crisis grant.”

Morgan says crisis grants are available based on income limits.

She says a family of four can qualify if its income is less than roughly $34,500.