FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE, CALL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17TH FOR APPOINTMENT

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 13, 2004) - The Department of Human Services will be accepting calls on Friday, December 17, for limited appointments for energy assistance for past due energy bills - (seniors 60+ do not have to be past due). Applicants must be at 125% poverty level (gross) and cannot have accessed Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) crisis funds, LIHEAP disaster or Hurricane Charley funds since August.

Lee County residents are eligible for up to $300. Applicants residing in the neighborhoods of Suncoast, Palmona, Pine Manor, Page Park, Charleston Park, Harlem Heights or who lived or worked on Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, Sanibel or Captiva are eligible for up to $500.

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.

Income guidelines for the program are $11,637.50 for a household of one, $15,612.50 for a household of two, $19,587.50 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 652-7900 or toll-free at (866)408-9769.