Foothills  uses government funds, seeks donations from businesses and churches and conducts grassroots fund raising efforts to provide for the basic needs of low income families. As those basic needs are met, many low income clients return to donate their time to help others. And as families move out of poverty, they often return the kindness and understanding of an outreach worker by donating money to help those who they once were.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income consumers pay their energy bills during the winter's coldest months. The program provides annual grants to states operating home energy assistance programs that serve needy households that are facing significant price increases for heating oil, natural gas and propane.   

Eligible participants can apply for assistance to help with energy cost through one of Foothills Outreach Offices. Foothills urges senior citizens on fixed incomes, individuals dealing with short-term financial difficulties, and low-income persons who may need help paying their winter heating bills to apply for LIHEAP assistance. 

To apply, participants must bring a picture ID, proof of income for all family members, the names, birth dates and social security numbers of all household members.  Participants must bring proof of housing type (lease, Section 8 certification, Housing Authority statement, deed or rent receipt).  Participants must also bring their most recent heating bill or verification from their landlord that the heating expenses are included in their rent.  Individuals who are unable to apply for themselves may send an authorized individual to apply for them.  If this is the case you should contact Foothills.  Both homeowners and renters who are responsible for their heating bills and have a low or fixed income are eligible. 

Qualifying participants will receive an energy assistance voucher.  Energy services include electric, gas, kerosene, propane or wood. Eligible participants do not need to have an unpaid energy bill or be out of fuel to receive energy assistance in the subsidy portion of the program.    The benefit amount that each household receives will be based on its level of poverty and the type of fuel used for heating.  All eligible households will receive a benefit.  Benefits will be made payable to the household’s primary or secondary heating fuel vendor.   

Interested energy customers can find out more how to apply for LIHEAP/heating assistance by contacting the Foothills Outreach Office in their county.