A new program at Heartline can help Woodford County residents who are struggling with their utility bill. “Warm Neighbors and Cool Friends” is a program funded through the Energy Assistance Foundation to help Ameren customers who are having a hardship or crisis situation and struggling to pay their bill.

Woodford County residents who are interested in applying for this assistance can call Brandi Gerber at the Heartline office at 309-467-6101 to check qualifications. Residents must reside at the address on their bill, must not have disconnected utilities, and cannot have a bill exceeding $750. Interested residents must also indicate a recent hardship or crisis, and fall within income guidelines. The income guidelines are higher than the LiHeap program, as the “Warm Neighbors and Cool Friends” program is designed to help those who are not being assisted through the LiHeap program. Residents cannot receive assistance through more than one utility assistance program.

This new program is currently being offered and dispersed through the Heartline office at 300 Reagan Drive in Eureka.

Heartline’s mission is to provide financial aid and essential basics for all residents of Woodford County who find themselves in need of Heartline programs. More information can be found at www.heartlineandhearthouse.org.

Income Guidelines to qualify for “Warm Neighbors and Cool Friends”:
Family size 30 day (GROSS) Income Rage
1 $1,354-$1,805
2 $1,821-$2,428
3 $2,289-$3,052
4 $2,756-$3,675
5 $3,224-$4,298
6 $3,691-$4,922
7 $4,159-$5,545
8 $4,626-$6,168