Heat and Energy Assistance Available Now Through TrueNorth

Nov. 13, 2013 - PRLog -- TrueNorth Community Services, a nonprofit agency providing focused services to primarily rural residents of Michigan, announces that heat and energy assistance is available to low-income families through their emPower program. The announcement was made by Bev Cassidy, President and CEO of TrueNorth.

The program’s 61 county service area includes all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, plus 46 Lower Peninsula rural counties. “The funds provided through emPower will make a significant difference to those living in rural Michigan, especially with the various heating methods such as wood, fuel oil, and pellets,” commented TrueNorth’s Cassidy.

The agency is encouraging low-income residents to start the process now to receive heat and energy assistance before their utilities are turned off or run out of energy. Cassidy added, “As long as a household meet’s emPower’s requirements, we can provide the help needed to keep their home heated, especially since many of our households have senior citizens and young children.”

The requirements for TrueNorth’s emPower program, include: a past due notice or a shut-off notice on an energy bill; a fuel tank containing less than 25% of fuel; a below minimum balance on an account; and are within household income guidelines.

Along with the financial assistance, emPower will also provide additional supportive services. “We have expanded our heat and energy services to include energy optimization and education, along with self-sufficiency programs which will help households reduce their bills,” concluded Cassidy.

If you are interested in the emPower program, you can download an application, along with a service area map at www.truenorthservices.org. Applications are also available at Department of Human Service offices, and other nonprofit agencies within each county. If you have any questions concerning the emPower program, call (855) 300-8013 or email awishka@tnempower.org. You are also encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/bewinterwise to find out more information on additional energy assistance opportunities available.