Heating Emergency? Free Crisis Assistance Available for Low-Income Households Nationwide this Winter

      "Our goal with The Native American Church of Virgina is to help reduce suffering," said Rene' White church president.. "'Spreading the Word Spreads Help' to those who need it. If you share this, and everyone shares this, we could reach everyone who needs the help."
     Crisis assistance for heating emergencies is a available free and varies state by state. Contact your local Department of Social Services for details.
     In Virginia, deadlines are Nov. 1 - March 15 and Jan. 2 - March 15. Details (explained below).
 

In Virginia:

When to Submit an Application

• Equipment-related assistance & security deposits - November 1 through March 15
• Heating fuel & utility bills (primary heat expense) - First workday in January through March 15

Assistance Available

• Heating equipment - repair or replacement
• Heating equipment - supplemental (example: fuel tanks)
• Security deposit - primary heat expense
• Heating fuel/utility - primary
• For details and a complete list of assistance available, refer to the manual below

Eligibility Requirements

• There must be a heating emergency, such as:
  • Lack of heat
  • Imminent utility cut-off
  • Inoperable or unsafe heating equipment
• For a complete list of eligibility requirements, refer to the manual below.

"Spreading the Word Spreads Help"

Rene' White (Feather) church president founded the Medicare Cafe and provides easy to understand resources online to help others across the United States.

How to Apply

• Option 1: Screen for eligibility and/or apply online through CommonHelp
• Option 2: Bypass eligibility screening and submit an application manually. Fill out the appropriate application below and return it to your local department of social services:
  • Crisis Assistance Application (PDF)
  • Crisis Assistance Application (Spanish) (PDF)

---

Weatherization Assistance is also available and Applies to Energy efficiency & Air Filtration

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers this program. For details, visit their website.