When You Don't Know Where to Turn
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a critical, potentially life-saving program that serves the most vulnerable, including older Americans, individuals with disabilities, and children. Individuals are out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic--individuals who may never have needed assistance before and don’t know where to start. August is LIHEAP Action Month, where we shed light on the benefits of the assistance program, especially during one of the hottest months of the year in Arizona. A woman we will refer to as Sheila, is just one of many clients who have received assistance through LIHEAP.
When You Don’t Know Where to Turn
Sheila, a self-employed hairdresser with permanent guardianship of her two nieces and one nephew, relies on her busy months to get her through the summer. However, after pandemic-related closures and her clientele being older adults, it didn’t allow for her to save for the summer months.
To make matters worse, Sheila was diagnosed with COVID-19 and had to quarantine for a couple of weeks. With bills piling up, she didn’t know what to do.
“A nice lady at the City of Mesa referred me to the program MesaCAN,” said Sheila. “Thankfully, I was able to get in contact with Celia who took great care of us.”
Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN), a program of A New Leaf, helps low-income households across the city with an array of services that include immediate financial assistance, employment support, financial planning, among others. With their help, Sheila received assistance in paying her utilities.
“Everyone here at A New Leaf has been great! I have not needed help like this in the past, and I am so thankful to all the staff that made this possible” said Sheila. “Without this help, we would have been forced to make major life changing moves.”
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and other designated local providers offer several programs to assist with energy assistance. The DES Division of Aging and Adult Services contracts with local CAAs for LIHEAP. For a list of CAAs, please visit the DES website.
By Isabella Neal