Orlando Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost announced that Florida has been awarded $106,028,700 in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Administered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this funding will help working Floridians and low-income families pay their home cooling bills in the summer and heating costs this winter. The money can also help folks, especially seniors, weatherproof their homes to make them more energy efficient, and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather like hurricanes and heat waves.
The funding comes after Congressman Frost sent a letter earlier this year calling for increased funding for LIHEAP to provide states in the South with the resources they need to help families pay their electricity bills and stay cool during the record-breaking heat waves.
“Florida families should never have to choose between living in extreme heat or putting food on the table, but that’s exactly the choice too many working people are facing in our state,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost, a Democrat. “Over $100 million coming to Florida means warmer winters, cooler summers, and safer homes for low-income households, particularly those with seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young children. Thanks to President Biden and our Democratic colleagues in Congress, Florida families are going to see their energy costs go down and their quality of living go up.”
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327.
