For immediate release:  November 30, 2005
Contact: Suzanne Parsons Stymiest at 985-898-5243

 Energy Assistance Available

             St. Tammany Parish President, Kevin Davis announces that St. Tammany Parish Department of Community Action has received funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   Community Action will begin taking appointments for LIHEAP beginning Monday, December 5, 2005. The purpose of this program is to assist low income households with utility bills.  These applications shall be taken by appointment only.   First come, first served.  Priority will be given to seniors 60+, disabled and households with children under 5 years.  Anyone who received assistance in the year 2005 under the LIHEAP Program  is  NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE UNTIL 13 MONTHS HAVE PASSED SINCE THE LAST DATE OF ASSISTANCE.  WEDNESDAY APPOINTMENTS WILL BE TARGETED TO SENIORS AND THE DISABLED.  Those households receiving public housing will have their utility allowance payment deducted from their LIHEAP payment.  For an appointment, please contact:

St. Tammany Parish Department of                                                       St. Tammany Parish Department of
Community Action                                                                                     Community Action      
1300 North Florida                                                                                    61134 North Military Road
Covington, LA 70433                                                                                Slidell, LA 70461
(985) 893-3923                                                                                          (985) 646-2090          
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays,                                                  Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM                                                                                  8:30 AM to 3:30 PM                

LIHEAP is targeted to low income families.  If your income falls at or below the federally established income guideline as shown below, then you may qualify:

Size      Monthly Family Unit Income
 1         $1,314.00
 2           1,718.00
 3           2,122.00
 4           2,526.00
 5           2,931.00
 6           3,335.00
 7           3,411.00
 8           3,486.00
 9           3,562.00       
10          3,638.00

For family units with more than 10 members, add $76.00 for each additional member.  This agency does not discriminate due to race, color, disability, sex, age or national origin.

Parish residents with questions about the program should call 646-2090 during normal business hours.

###