Rockford Sun

The City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department will hold outreach sessions this week to assist residents in applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program aims to help eligible low-income households pay for energy services by providing benefits paid directly to utility companies or, in some cases, directly to renters whose utility costs are included in their rent.

Appointments will be available at the Northwest Community Center on Wednesday, November 5, and Thursday, November 6. Sign-ups begin at 8:45 a.m., with appointments starting at 9 a.m. Each day is limited to 50 appointments. Once all slots are filled, sign-ups will close for that day. Those with longer wait times can leave and return for their scheduled appointment rather than waiting in line.

Organizers have made changes to streamline the process and ask attendees to treat staff and fellow residents respectfully. "We understand that times are stressful and tensions may be high, but we ask that everyone treat staff and fellow residents with patience and respect. Our team is working hard to serve an overwhelming number of households as effectively and efficiently as possible. Any threatening, aggressive or disrespectful language or actions will not be tolerated, and individuals who engage in such behavior will be asked to leave."

The department notes that its goal is "to make sure every person we meet with will have their full and complete LIHEAP application submitted and approved as quickly as possible." They also caution that the process may change without notice over the coming weeks, including possibly setting aside certain dates only for applicants who have already been disconnected from service.

LIHEAP is managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Energy Assistance, funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with local administration by the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department.