SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announced Tuesday that Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded approximately $43.8 million in energy assistance grants to help low-income Alabamians cover home heating and cooling costs.
The funding will be distributed through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and administered locally by ADECA in partnership with community action agencies across the state. The grants are designed to help vulnerable residents manage energy expenses during periods of extreme winter cold and summer heat.
“The cost of heating a home during the coldest parts of winter and cooling it during the hottest parts of summer can pose a challenge for those who are most vulnerable and have extremely limited incomes,” Ivey said in a written statement. “These grants will ensure that help is available to those who need it most during extreme weather.”
The funding includes both regular LIHEAP allocations provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and supplemental funding made available under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the program focuses on Alabamians with the greatest need. “This program is meant to help people who have the lowest income and those who are most vulnerable, including the elderly, people with disabilities and young children,” Boswell said. “ADECA stands with Gov. Ivey in supporting Alabamians who are in need of this emergency assistance.”
A total of 18 local community action agencies will manage the grants at the local level, accepting applications from eligible households and distributing assistance within their service areas. ADECA noted that application periods vary by agency, and funds may not be immediately available in all locations.
Among the allocations are $9.27 million to the Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama, $4.27 million to Community Service Programs of West Alabama, $3.8 million to Mobile Community Action, and $2.9 million to the Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone Counties.
Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact their local community action agency directly for application details, eligibility requirements, and availability of funds.