Area residents may take part of the Turning the Tide on Poverty Action Forum and Resource Fair as well as apply for energy bill help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Monday.
The event will be held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center beginning at 9 a.m. Monday.
LIHEAP energy assistance is administered through Arkansas Department of Human Service’s Office of Community Services and delivered locally by the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Economic Opportunities Commission, a community action agency.
LIHEAP assists households with home energy and heating bills including electric, gas, and other heating sources.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Pine Bluff residents who may be struggling to pay their energy bill right now to not only get that needed assistance but also be a part of such a huge event,” said David Knight, executive director of EOC.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Services kicked off Turning the Tide on Poverty in October with a challenge to local communities to develop community circles.
The community circles followed a five-week development plan to produce action items. The Action Forum is the opportunity for these circles to present their items.
“With this great project and hard work put in by the County Cooperative Extension and community circles members, our citizens cannot only see all our great resources but even learn how they can get involved into action for their own neighborhood,” Knight said.
One of the main action items already discussed is to bring Pine Bluff’s many resources together to educate residents about their services and to partner to further maximize their potential. The resource fair has become just that opportunity.
Information on many opportunities will be available through the resource fair including voter registration, housing, health, medical, education and free tax prep.
Monday, convention center doors will open at 9 a.m. to begin accepting energy assistance applications and to begin the resource fair.
The Action Forum is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. with a presentation and then with break-out sessions and community conversations occurring until 3 p.m.
“I encourage all interested in applying for energy bill help to come out on Monday,” Knight said. “With resources slimmer this year and our office space limited, this will be the best day to get services and we can’t give thanks enough to the convention center and its staff for being such a huge partner in the success of our community.”
After Monday’s events, EOC will administer LIHEAP in five counties while funds last. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served beginning each day at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. or until the agency reaches its full capacity of applications to process that day.
Applicants for LIHEAP assistance must meet income guidelines. For a household of 1, monthly countable income is $1,462. To apply, the applicant should bring a copy of their household’s current utility bill, Social Security numbers, proof-of- income and dates of birth for all household members. Shut off notices will not be accepted.
Additional information may be required during the interview process. Failure to provide verification requested may result in delay or denial of assistance. Checklist and No-Income verification forms are available now at EOC.
• Jefferson County applications will be accepted at the EOC office, 817 S. Cherry St.
• Grant County applications are accepted at the EOC Sheridan Office, 815 E. Center.
• Cleveland County applications are accepted at the EOC Rison Office, 203 Main S.
• Lincoln County applications are accepted at the EOC Star City Office, 107 S.Drew
• Arkansas County applications are accepted at the EOC Stuttgart Office, 425 S. Main St.
Details: Call EOC at Pine Bluff, 536-0046 or in Grant, Cleveland, Lincoln, and Arkansas counties call the toll free number at 1-800-277-1313.