The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP is seeking energy and fuel vendors to assist with their subsidy and crisis programs.
The subsidy program operates in November and December to help residents at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level pay home heating costs. The crisis program operates from early January until the middle of March or until all funds are expended.
Harry Clark is the Rowan County Judge Executive and board member of Gateway Community Action. He said the board asks potential vendors to bid on all types of fuel, then a contract is made between the two.
“So, if I send you to go get fuel at BP Station Care Center or something, they know that you're a part of the LIHEAP and you can get the fuel. It may be a voucher-like thing. So, they'll take the voucher, turn the voucher in to us, and then we will reimburse them for it. So, we just go out every year and get participants in it,” said Clark.
Clark added there is always a shortage of wood vendors.
“In some areas, we rely heavily on wood. So some of our customers, they actually use a lot of wood and it's hard to find vendors now that will actually cut wood and deliver wood because usually when they run out it's you know it's in the middle of snow or cold or whatever. So, it's hard to find vendors that want to participate in the wood,” said Clark.
Clark added there are certain requirements for vendors based on the type of fuel they provide.
Potential vendors are asked to contact Gateway Community Action at 1-800-927-1833 and speak with Jennifer Williamson.