NECAC Awarded Additional Energy Assistance

   The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) has been awarded an additional $102,000 in summer energy assistance funding and is urging qualifying residents to apply.

   The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) began on June 1 and NECAC distributed the last of its original $408,943 in funding on Aug. 28. The program ends Sept. 30.

   ECIP pays overdue electricity bills of up to $300 for income-qualifying households. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is distributed through the Missouri Department of Social Services, which then contracts with NECAC and the 18 other Community Action Agencies in Missouri to administer the program. NECAC serves Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, St. Charles, Shelby and Warren counties.

   Participants must have received a utility shut-off notice and meet other qualifications. The $408,943 allocation was up slightly from $382,130 last year.

   In 2018, assistance was provided to 2,356 households in 12 counties, up from 2,020 in summer 2017. For summer 2019, the number as of Sept. 1 was 1,937 households.

   “We urge people who think they may qualify to sign up right away,” said NECAC Supervisor Angela Kattenbraker. “We do not expect this additional funding to last long.”

   NECAC is a 12-county area not-for-profit social service, community health and public housing agency that serves the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged. The agency operates more than 60 programs through contracts and grant with more than 30 funding sources that include federal, state and local government agencies, private businesses and other non-profit organizations.

   People may sign up or request more information by calling or visiting the following NECAC County Service Center in Lewis County, Service Coordinator Judy Eaton: 408 S. Fourth in Canton, phone 573-288-3969.