FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Susan Oliver, Lee County Human Services
               (239) 652-7916

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (September 15, 2004) - The Department of Human Services is accepting applications for energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) from residents of or employees (who were employed on August 13) on Pine Island, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel/Captiva until September 30, 2004.

Proof of all household income is required at the time of application along with a utility bill. Income guidelines for the program are $13,965 for a household of one, $18,735 for a household of two, $23,505 for a household of three. For larger households, add $4,770 per household member.

Applications are accepted at 83 Pondella Road, Suite 1, North Fort Myers, 33903.

For further information, contact Lee County Human Services at 652-7900 or toll-free at (866)408-9769.