FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

FORT MYERS, Fla. (October 18, 2004) - The Department of Human Services is accepting calls for appointments for Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) applications. Calls will be accepted only on Fridays for appointments in the following week.

To make or ask about the availability of an appointment, call 652-7900. If you receive an appointment, please plan on it lasting up to 1½ hours.

Priority for all appointments will be given to the elderly, disabled and households with children age 5 and under.

Current LIHEAP funds are for the crisis component which can pay up to $300.00 toward a past due bill or deposit. Please note that these funds are limited. The program does not pay monthly utility bills.

Income guidelines for the program are $13,965 for a household of one, $18,1735 for a household of two, $23,505 for a household of three etc. Proof of all household income is required along with an original utility bill.

For further information, contact Lee County Human Services at (239) 652-7900 or toll-free at (866) 408-9769.