Category: News

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 18, 2021): Community Action Agencies across Kentucky are now accepting applications for the Crisis Component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Open enrollment will run through March 31, 2021, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Qualified residents should apply at their local Community Action Agencies. To locate your local office, please call 800-456-3452.

“Many Kentuckians are still struggling from the financial hardships stemming from COVID-19, making the need for LIHEAP even greater this year,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “We actively encourage anyone that meets the eligibility requirements of the LIHEAP Crisis Component to reach out to their local Community Action Agency as soon as possible to apply.”

To utilize the Crisis Component, applicants must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, as well as have received a “disconnect” notice from their utility company or be within four days of running out of a non-metered fuel such as propane. Additionally, this year applicants can also apply if they have a late or overdue amount or if they are on an arrearage payment plan.

The applicant must be responsible for home heating costs or pay heating costs as an undesignated portion of rent. Crisis applicants who participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program would be eligible if they are within 10 days of running out of pre-paid electric services.

Benefits offered through the Crisis Component are limited to the amount necessary to relieve the crisis with the maximum amount not to exceed the Community Action Agency’s local cost for a deliverable supply of the household’s primary heating fuel or $400 for gas or electric. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit.

Benefits may take the form of fuel deliveries, service reconnection, blankets or sleeping bags, loan of space heaters and emergency shelter. Crisis relief will be provided within 48 hours or 18 hours if an emergency. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local agency for specific application instructions.

For everyone’s safety, Community Action Agencies may provide special accommodations, adjust locations and times, and may ask that LIHEAP applicants follow safety protocols. Because these may change and vary between counties, applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action office for more information.

Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies administer LIHEAP in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. More information about LIHEAP, including contact information for county-specific office contact information, can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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 About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (OCTOBER 30, 2020): Community Action Agencies across Kentucky will begin accepting applications for the Subsidy Component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) November 2, 2020. Applications will be accepted through December 11, 2020 or until funds are depleted. To apply, qualified residents should contact their local outreach office operated by one of the 23 Community Action Agencies located across the state.

The Subsidy Component is designed to help low-income Kentuckians offset home heating costs based on a household’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, income eligibility has been increased to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

“As we head into winter the LIHEAP program will provide much needed security for thousands of Kentucky households. This year it will be even more important for those that are affected by the COVID pandemic.” Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky.

For everyone’s safety, Community Action Agencies may provide special accommodations, adjust locations and times, and may ask that LIHEAP applicants follow safety protocols. Because these may change and vary between counties, applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action office for more information. 

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the  prior month.
• Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, or a statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a pass-through block grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. More information about LIHEAP, including contact information for all local Community Action agencies can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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 About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting the 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 6, 2020): Community Action Agencies across the state are now accepting applications for the new Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Cooling Program. Designed to help offset the cost of higher electric bills due to rising temperatures, the program is the network’s latest resource to help families during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2020, or until funds are depleted.

The LIHEAP Summer Cooling Program is separated into two components, Subsidy and Crisis, to assist with electric cost. Eligible households can apply for one or both components and participation in prior LIHEAP programs will not affect a household’s eligibility. Households must meet eligibility requirements, including income guidelines.

The Subsidy component provides households one-time benefit ranging from $50 to $200 depending on income levels and housing category. The Crisis component is available to eligible households who demonstrate a home energy crisis situation. Crisis benefits will cover the minimum needed to alleviate the crisis not to exceed $600. Households can reapply each time they experience a crisis situation until they reached their maximum benefit. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action office for specific application instructions.

“Kentuckians are already under financial pressure from the effects of COVID-19. Now as summer temperatures rise their increasing cooling bills will add to that burden,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “I’m thankful that through our partnership with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, we were able to offer this summer cooling program to provide relief at this crucial time.”

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about resources provided by Community Action Agencies and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 17, 2020): Community Action Kentucky (CAK) today announced more than $16.8 million in additional Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding has been allocated to the state to support key economic recovery programs. The funds, which were passed as part of the national CARES Act in late March, will be divided proportionately to each of the 23 Community Action Agencies across Kentucky.

CSBG funding is designed to give Community Action Agencies the ability to provide a wide range of support in the areas of employment, education, transportation, food security, housing and more. Each local Community Action Agency is able to tailor its specific programs to meet the local needs of the communities it serves.

“This additional CSGB funding comes at a critical time” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “It enables the Community Action Agencies to help more Kentuckians who are facing economic adversity. We’re proud to coordinate these efforts with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and grateful for National and State leaders who have worked to make it possible.”

Governor Andy Beshear said he is proud of the state’s partnership with CAK and its vast network that uplifts thousands of Kentuckians.

“In this test of our lifetime, families in need deserve easy access to federal and state assistance,” Governor Beshear said. “The Community Action Network will distribute this federal funding to help relieve families affected by job loss as we work together to stay safe, healthy and strong.”

Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander said local community action agencies have unique awareness of their communities’ needs.

“Everyone is facing economic hardship right now because of the virus, especially the vulnerable customers served by CHFS,” Secretary Friedlander said. “With this additional funding, Community Action Agencies are here to help families get back on their feet and withstand this economic challenge. With all that has changed, one thing that hasn’t is our partnership with CAK, and we are thankful for the collaboration.”

The additional CSBG funding comes on the heels of the launch of an added spring enrollment period for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program, which is also a core Community Action program, was supported with an additional funding through the CARES Act to help struggling families pay home energy costs.

Community Action Kentucky and its statewide members are also playing a key role in the application and distribution process for the Commonwealth’s Team Kentucky Fund. Applications are being accepted now to help those that have experienced an employment-related financial hardship due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

More information about Community Action Kentucky, its members and available COVID-19-related programs and services can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2020): In response to the COVID-19 emergency, Community Action Agencies across Kentucky are now taking applications for an added spring open enrollment period for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put many families under unprecedented stress. They should not have to worry about how they will keep their lights on and cook for their children,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “That is why this new Spring LIHEAP couldn’t come at a better time. It will help take some of that stress off. When it is combined with other Community Action services, LIHEAP will really help families and communities in their efforts to recover and rebuild.”

The program, which is designed to help low-income households offset home energy costs, has increased income eligibility requirements to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The benefit amount awarded is based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary fuel vendor in the form of a voucher.

Each year, the 23 Community Action agencies provide home energy assistance to over 100,000 Kentucky families through LIHEAP. Kentucky’s Community Action Network collectively operates outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties. Qualified applicants are encouraged to contact their local Community Action outreach office for specific applications instructions.

All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at time of application:

• Proof of Social Security Number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.

• Proof of all household’s (all members) income from the preceding month.

• Most current heating bill, statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent, statement from utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.

• The account number and name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.

Community Action Kentucky administers LIHEAP in partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services who receive the funding as a pass-through block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More information about LIHEAP and a listing of LIHEAP outreach offices can be found at the Community Action Kentucky website at www.CAPKY.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 15, 2020): Community Action Kentucky has been selected as a strategic partner for the state’s Team Kentucky Fund. Governor Andy Beshear and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced the partnership during the governor’s daily briefing today at the Capitol.

“We are going to be partnering with Community Action of Kentucky. We are going to be partnering with this group because they have a long history of impactful work. This organization is going to serve as the hands and feet of this mission,” Lt. Gov. Coleman said.

Gov. Beshear, along with the Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet, took executive action March 23 to establish the Team Kentucky Fund, an online platform to provide help to Kentuckians affected financially during the COVID-19 emergency.

“More than 7,000 people have donated. Most of the donations were less than $100,” the Governor said. “We’ve also had some businesses and private donors step up with gifts from $10,000 to the $1 million announcement we had from the Kentucky Colonels just yesterday.”

With outreach offices in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action Kentucky is uniquely positioned to maximize delivery of Team Kentucky Fund donations. As the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across the commonwealth, Community Action Kentucky is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve greater economic stability and improved health outcomes.

“Community Action Kentucky is honored to partner with Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Coleman to efficiently and expeditiously distribute financial support to those impacted by COVID-19 on behalf of the Team Kentucky Fund,” said Roger McCann, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. “Through our statewide network of Community Action agencies and state-of-the-art custom software system, our robust infrastructure can ensure these generous donations can be dispensed quickly to those in need. This crisis and resulting efforts to rebuild our economy are deeply personal for all those involved in delivering upon the Community Action Promise. We’re proud to be part of Team Kentucky.”

Through an array of resources and programs, Community Action Kentucky and its member agencies provide life-changing support in a variety of service areas, including food security, workforce development, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, youth enrichment and more.

The objective of the Governor’s Team Kentucky Fund is an extension of Community Action Kentucky’s core mission. By building upon Community Action Kentucky’s existing capabilities, the commonwealth will be able to make an even greater impact on the lives of all affected Kentuckians.

“I want to thank everyone for their generosity in this,” the Governor said. “Nobody’s personal finances are in a positive place as we go through this. Thinking about the fact that people have donated already $1.9 million to help out their fellow human being is once again passing that test of humanity.”

Gov. Beshear is asking those who are able to help to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund. Donations to the Team Kentucky Fund can be made at www.donate.ky.gov. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

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About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and improved health outcomes. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, workforce development, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 31, 2020): Community Action Kentucky and its 23 member agencies across the state applaud the passage of the Economic Stimulus Bill in response to the nation’s COVID-19 health crisis. Our statewide network of Community Action agencies, volunteers and dedicated partners are on the front lines every day working to assist Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens achieve self-sufficiency and improve health outcomes.

Included in this historic stimulus bill is $1.9 billion in increased funding to support two vital programs delivered by Community Action agencies across the country, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). CSBG was allocated $1 billion in additional funding while LIHEAP will receive an additional $900 million in funding to help Americans rebound from this national crisis. 

CSBG is a diverse program designed to give Community Action agencies the ability to provide a wide range of support in the areas of employment, education, transportation, food security, housing and more. LIHEAP is utilized to support individuals and families struggling to pay utility costs. Both programs are instrumental in Community Action Kentucky’s ability to provide comprehensive services that directly address the Social Determinants of Health.

This crisis and resulting efforts to rebuild our economy are deeply personal for all those involved in delivering upon the Community Action Promise. While the exact amount of Kentucky’s allocation is still to be determined, we are extremely encouraged by what this means for our ability to expand our support to those in need of help.

Community Action Kentucky would like to thank President Donald J. Trump and members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for their quick action and support of our clients. We look forward to working with federal, state and local partners to put this money to work as soon as possible.

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 About Community Action Kentucky

Community Action Kentucky is the statewide association representing and assisting all 23 Community Action agencies across Kentucky that work to empower individuals and families to attain greater economic stability and long-term success. With a presence in all 120 Kentucky counties, Community Action agencies provide life-changing resources and programs to support a wide array of service areas, including food security, transportation, home energy, early childhood education, senior support, emergency services, housing assistance, workforce development, youth enrichment and more. As a statewide voice for local agencies, Community Action Kentucky works to address policy issues that impact low-income individuals and cultivates broad-reaching partnerships that improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians, making it possible for them to achieve their goals. For more information about Community Action Kentucky, visit www.CAPKY.org.