Cleveland, Ohio - July 18th, 2011 - The Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC) is accepting Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) Summer Cooling Program applications at its Housing Services Office at 1849 Prospect Avenue.

Income eligible households with a member who is sixty (60) years of age or older or one who has an illness that would require cooling can receive assistance with a current electric bill and/or a free air conditioner.  No physician's documentation in needed for households with a member sixty (60) years or older; others must have documentation of a qualifying illness.  The maximum benefit for both the electric energy bill and the air conditioner cannot exceed $175. 

Income eligibility restricts assistance to households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines.  For a household of one, the qualifying standard is $21,780; for two, $29,420; for three, $37,060; and, for four, $44,700.  Documentation of income, social security numbers for all household members, and current energy bills must be presented when they applying for assistance.   Window air conditioners will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, to eligible households, and the cost of the air conditioner will be considered as part of the $175.00 maximum benefit. 

"These benefits are critical to the elderly and to those with serious illnesses is our community," says Evelyn Rice, Vice President of Community Services for CEOGC. "In many cases, the use of summer cooling can actually save a life."

The Housing Services Office will accept 25 walk-in applicants each day, and give priority attention to households with members who are 60 years of age of older. 

Residents are encouraged to make appointments by calling (216) 518-4014; the line is accessible 24 hours each day, 7 days a week.  Those who cannot come into the office should call (216) 263-6266 to request a home visit. The Housing Services Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  The final day to apply for summer cooling assistance is August 31st, 2011.