Lifeline’s HEAP Summer Crisis Program, which began July 1 and concluded Sept. 30, assisted over 300 Lake County households in “beating the heat,” agency officials recently announced. Lifeline, Inc. seeking volunteer tax preparers for upcoming season Throughout the three months, Lifeline staff completed emergency assistance applications for 490 households from nearly every community in Lake County. Of those applications, 348 were either approved for assistance with electric bills or received an air conditioner or fan, officials confirmed. Additionally, nearly $80,000 in federal funding was expended over the course of the season, including the 26 window air conditioners and 44 fans that were distributed. In 2021, more than 360 households were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program due to expanded COVID-19 eligibility, and over 300 households were assisted in 2022 and 2023. Lifeline Executive Director Carrie Dotson noted the program isn’t just about providing comfort but keeping vulnerable residents, senior citizens, and those with health conditions safe and healthy. “With the guidelines to qualify for the program requiring that applicants must either have a senior citizen (60 years or older) in the home or have a physician-documented health condition, we know we’re helping folks who really need assistance,” she said. “These are people who clearly need their utilities on and to keep cool during the hottest months of the year.” Additional conditions can include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Households with a disconnect notice, had services shut off or had new service established (on electric bills) were also eligible for assistance, Dotson added. Lifeline’s HEAP Winter Crisis Program is currently underway. For more information on HEAP Programs, contact Lifeline, Inc.’s Energy Assistance Office at 440-350-9160. Lifeline’s Energy Assistance Office is located at 8 North State St., Suite 300, in Painesville. To schedule an appointment for HEAP Winter Crisis, call 440-381-8230.