UCHRA officials concerned that a transition to a digital application process has contributed to a decrease in enrollment for a regional energy assistance program.
UCHRA Deputy Director LaNelle Godsey said the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, underwent a significant change this year that requires residents to apply online. Godsey said the agency is increasing outreach efforts because current enrollment numbers are not meeting expectations.
“As you know the LIHEAP program, there was a large change to that program and you have to apply online this year,” Godsey said. “So our numbers are not where they need to be. We know that there are still folks out there that need assistance with LIHEAP and they’re not being able to get through on the computer and complete that application.”
Godsey said the agency is now coordinating with school nutrition programs and summer feeding sites to distribute informational flyers to families. Godsey said staff members are also updating social media messaging to clarify that local offices can provide hands-on help with the digital requirement as they try to meet the needs of Upper Cumberland residents.
“We don’t want people to get their lights shut off,” Godsey said. “We know that it’s starting to heat up here in the Upper Cumberland so we want folks to be able to run those air conditioning units as they need them.”
Godsey said the online application requires every applicant to have an active email address. Godsey said agency staff can assist residents with creating an email account and walking them through each step of the computer-based process.
“I’ve put an extra flyer with that,” Godsey said. “We want folks to come to our office. Even though you have to apply online, we can walk you through those steps. You have to have an email address to apply. We can help you get set up with that.”
Godsey said the agency did not receive its contract for the program until late in the season, which delayed the start of services until February. Godsey said the combination of the late start and the new technology requirements has left the agency serving fewer households than in previous years.
Godsey said residents should visit their local county offices to receive help with the application and to learn what documentation is required for the program.
“Some of the comments that I’d heard were folks thinking that it had to be online without our assistance,” Godsey said. “So we’re now changing the verbiage that we’re putting out on social media just trying to make sure that folks realize they can come to our office and we can help them.”
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