Heitkamp Announces over $2.5 Million in Federal Funding to Help ND Seniors, Families & Tribes Heat and Cool their Homes
FARGO, N.D. – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp announced more than $2.5 million in federal assistance to help low-income North Dakota families, seniors, and American Indian tribal members heat and cool their homes.
“North Dakotans know that the weather can change at a moment’s notice and we must make sure our state and tribes are prepared to help those most in need,” said Heitkamp. “Families need to know they will have consistent support to meet some of their basic needs to stay warm during the brutal winters and cool their homes during our state’s hot summers. Today’s federal funding will help disadvantaged families and individuals afford their energy bills and weatherize their homes, saving money. A healthy household is critical to helping our friends and neighbors stay strong and safe in their homes.”
These federal funds will be distributed as follows:
- North Dakota State Government – $1,936,174
- Tribal Governments in North Dakota – $611,425
This federal support follows Heitkamp’s 2015 request to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services pressing the agency to release these critical funds that North Dakotans will need.
The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligible families outside Indian reservations must apply directly to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP funding. For eligible families living on Indian reservations, their tribes need to directly apply to the State of North Dakota to receive LIHEAP funding, which is then distributed to those on the reservation who qualify.
North Dakotans can learn more about home heating assistance eligibility and apply for assistance by clicking here. To ask questions or to receive help filling out an application, individuals not living on Indian reservations can contact their local County Social Service Office. Individuals living on Indian reservations can contact their local tribal offices.
LIHEAP is a block grant program under which the federal government provides annual grants to states, territories, and Indian tribal organizations to operate home energy assistance programs for needy households. The program receives funding from two sources: contingency funds and regular funds. Contingency funds are allocated to states at the discretion of the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. These funds may be released at any point in the fiscal year to provide additional home energy assistance. Regular funds are allocated in the annual appropriations bill.
