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LIHEAP Applications Now Being Accepted

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Natural gas prices are 20 percent lower now than they were 20 years ago, but that doesn't mean it's easy for everyone to heat their homes during winter.

Some local families really struggle to pay that utility, but that is where LIHEAP comes in.

Once again, a familiar face is helping to spread the word about the assistance program.

"It's really to get you over that immediate crisis, get you back on your feet. It's a one-time grant that we are looking at from LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, just to get you back on your feet, get you back into the mode where you are not always struggling to stay afloat," Columbia Gas' Mark Kempic said.

This year's LIHEAP kick-off had the support of the county executive and city mayor.

"Programs like LIHEAP can help veterans pay their heating bills through the winter months is very important, and I think people want to be part of that and I think it's what makes western Pennsylvania so special that we are always willing to help those in need, but especially our veterans," Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said.

"We need to be able to help them with shelter, clothing, opportunity to be able heat their homes in the winter. It helps to take a lot of the concern off of other things so that they can then be retrained and be ready to become part of a civilian corps just like they were part of the military corps," Mayor Bill Peduto said.

One in three homeless people in Pittsburgh are veterans, which is part of the reason the event was held at the Veterans Leadership Program. They are advocate for vets that is already helping them apply.

"I think that is one of those basic critical needs that all people have to have and we are really excited to have the LIHEAP program kick things off at the Veterans Leadership Program," Al Mercer said.

Franco Harris urged people to re-apply even if they failed to qualify last year.

"Keep trying. We all go through different transitions in life. Things change. Circumstances change and sometimes we need some temporary help. Well, it's here," Harris said.

A total of $152 million will be given out in Pennsylvania to more than 500,000 households, but only if you apply.

For more information, visit the LIHEAP website here: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap/

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