More Than $30 Million in Assistance Available for Families who Need Emergency Help Heating Their Homes | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH - The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding North Carolinians that more than $30 million in funds are available for families who need emergency help heating their homes through the Crisis Intervention Program.

    "As temperatures become colder, individuals become more susceptible to health-related issues," said David Locklear, Division of Social Services Economic and Family Services Deputy Director. "This funding can help assist eligible individuals and families experiencing potentially life-threatening emergencies."

    The federally funded program helps households with low incomes who have a life-threatening or health-related emergency due to a lack of heating. Each household is individually evaluated, and if determined eligible for assistance, payments are made directly to the household's heating vendor.

    To apply, individuals should contact their county department of social services. Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

    To be eligible, a household must:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
• Have income equal to or less than 150 percent of the federal poverty limit; for example:
• For a household of one, an income of $18,210 or less
• For a family of four, an income of $47,070 or less


• Have a health-related issue that might be made worse without heat
• Have a utility bill that shows how much is owed to the utility company
• Be responsible for their heating cost

    For more information on the program and eligibility, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/crisis-intervention-program.

      NC Department of Health and Human Services

• 2001 Mail Service Center
• Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
• news@dhhs.nc.gov •(919) 855-4840