Help with Heating Expense
Late in October, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services delivered $188 million to the State of Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – a federally-sponsored program that assists Ohioans with their home energy bills. Individuals, families, and seniors with household incomes at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible to apply through the HEAP program to have a financial benefit applied directly to their home energy bills.
“Rising costs are impacting everyone’s pocketbooks, especially working families and seniors,” said U. S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
Ohioans can apply for HEAP assistance through the Ohio Department of Development’s website or by contacting their local Energy Assistance Provider:
- Lucas County
Pathway Inc. (567) 803-0010
- Ottawa, Sandusky, Wood Counties
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership / WSOS Community Action Commission (567) 432-5046
More information on HHS’ $188 million award to Ohio can be found here. More information on HEAP can be found here.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Donates Lap Blankets
Warm Hands to Warm Hearts, a crocheting and knitting group founded by volunteers at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 720 N. Superior, creates hand-made blankets and donates them to local nursing homes and care centers. “First, we need yarn and knitters and crocheters to create the 7” x 9” rectangles,” said Dorothy Yakumithis, one of the founders. Then, once a month, members get together to plan and the rectangles are taken home to be sewn into blankets. Each blanket has 25 rectangles.The completed works of art are wrapped with care and topped with a tag stating each one is, “…a message of how much you are loved.”
“We have donated over 50 blankets per month,” said Dorothy. “They are received with sincere gratitude. We can see the joy this project brings.”
Yarn donations, or the donation of completed rectangles are much appreciated, and can be dropped off at the church hall. Use any stitch you like in any color you like. Warm Hands to Warm Hearts is also grateful for monetary donations. Make them out to Holy Trinity, and write “blankets” on the memo line. If you have any questions, call Dorothy at 419-867-0734.
