LIHEAP Emergency Funds Go to Hardest Hit States

On September 3, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the release of $27.25 million in LIHEAP emergency energy assistance to assist states hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina – Louisiana ($12 million), Mississippi ($11.75 million), Alabama ($2 million), and Florida ($1.5 million). According to an HHS press release, this release of funds reflects initial requests from the affected states and their current ability to distribute the funds. Further releases are anticipated when additional information becomes available and the states’ ability to distribute the funds effectively is increased.

The funds can be used for a wide range of purposes, including transportation to shelters for individuals whose health is endangered by loss of access to cooling, utility reconnection costs, repair or replacement costs for furnaces and air conditioners, insulation repair as well as paying energy costs.

The funds come from the LIHEAP emergency contingency allotment of nearly $300 million for FY 2005. According to the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association, this brings the total amount of FY 2005 LIHEAP emergency contingency funds released to date to $277.5 million, leaving $20.1 million available for other emergencies.

In a related matter, a group of Senators have sent a letter to President Bush urging the Administration to allocate $900 million in additional emergency funds to help millions of Americans impacted by the hurricane. “The effects of Hurricane Katrina are being felt by Americans outside of the Gulf Region as gasoline, heating oil and natural gas prices rise in the wake of this disaster,” the letter said.

Source: HHS/ACF

Page Last Updated: September 24, 2009