The Metropolitan Action Commission received additional funding to help more households cover the cost of utility payments at the beginning of the year. The agency estimates that the funding will allow for up to 30,000 Davidson County residents to receive help.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time assistance to income eligible families to help pay electricity, natural gas or other home energy payments. The agency serves an average of 9,500 residents annually. As of Friday, the agency has helped 9,885 households.
According the 2018 Community Needs Evaluation, there are 38,541 families living below the poverty line in Davidson County.
“We believe there are families who are eligible but have not applied because they believe our help is for a specific population of individuals with limited incomes,” said Lisa McCrady, media spokesperson for Metro Action. “Anyone who is income eligible, lives in Davidson County, has an active account with their energy supplier and hasn’t received help from us since January 2019 qualifies for this assistance.”
With the additional funding received earlier this year, the application period and allowable income has changed. The current application period began in January 2019 and will end September 30, 2019. Also families with higher incomes are now eligible.
“Many of our families work every day but still have challenges with covering their basic expenses or have unforeseen situations that impact their income. The energy program can help free up funds so other expenses are easier to handle,” said McCrady.
The application for energy assistance is available on the agency’s webpage (www.nashville.gov/mac). Customers may print the application, attach the supporting documentation and mail it in or submit it in person Monday through Friday from 8am until 4:30pm. The agency is located in the Clifford Allen Building, located at 800 2nd Avenue North (37201). Parking is available on site.
Customers may also call and request the application by mail or e-mail (615-862-8860, Ext. 70100 or [email protected]).
The Metropolitan Action Commission receives LIHEAP funding for Davidson County from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency through a federal pass-through grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.