By Car Partnership Water Help Ongoing Adds Benefits LCCAA’s By Car program has partnered with OhioMeansJobs Lorain County to increase the maximum match and provide funds for insurance.
OMJ matches participatns funds 3 to 1 (match ceiling is $6,000). Participants attend a one-time financial literacy course as well as review the costs of owning a vehicle and the value of continued savings.
LIH-WAP, the Low-Income Household Water Income can be earned from employment, selfAssistance Program, can provide up to $1,500 to employment or a combination. income eligible Lorain County residents who need help To participate in the OMJ program, you must: paying their water bills. X Register by calling 440-324-5244. Households must be living at or below 175% of the X Schedule and complete orientation.
X Complete Work Keys and be engaged in the workshops the OMJ provide. X Be assigned an employment specialist.
Federal Poverty Level or actively receiving assistance from TANF, SNAP, or SSI.
You must also have a residential account and either be in arrears or disconnected. If you are disconnected, the program can also help with reconnect fees.
Once this is completed and the employment specialist approves you, OMJ will submit the voucher to LCCAA. Your municipality or water company must agree to participate. Payment is made directly to them. The next steps will be: X Save $2,000 to put down on a car. X Complete the Financial Literacy Class at LCCAA. X OMJ will match $3 for every $1 you save to a max of $6,000. You will be able to purchase an $8,000 car. X Participants completing their purchase also receive one year of car insurance paid, up to $2,500.
You can apply through energyhelp.ohio.gov or the LCCAA website.
Summer Crisis Help Will Begin July 1
LCCAA’s Energy Services Department anticipates that The income eligibility requirements are based on the annual Summer Crisis program will begin as usual family size and total family income. Participants must on July 1, 2022. be living at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Summer Crisis offers help staying cool for low-income Line ($55,500 for a family of four in 2022). residents who also meet one of the other eligibility Other program requirements: X Be employed, or X Be enrolled in a certified training or full-time college education program. X Complete a financial literacy class.
requirements. The primary qualification for the program is a gross annual income at or below 175 percent of the Federal Poverty Line ($48,563 for a family of four in 2022).
X Agree to abide by the program requirements.
Qualifications and benefits have both been expanded in the past two years as Ohioans navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. Typical benefits include help paying electric bills, a free window air conditioner unit or a free box fan.
For more information, contact Bobby Taylor, Planning and Community Services Director, at btaylor@lccaa. net.
Details of the program are finalized in early June with appointments opening June 17. Watch our Facebook page for more announcements.
X Agree to open a savings account. X Commit to owning the vehicle for no less than six months.
