While the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Winter Crisis Program offers utility bill assistance for residents of Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County during the winter months, the program also provides support for households that are facing a shortage of bulk fuel supplies such as wood, propane, or fuel oil.

The Winter Crisis Program, which runs Nov. 1, 2025-March 31, 2026, has helped 471 households in GLCAP’s service region so far this period. Of that figure, more than one-third have received help with replenishing fuel supplies, with 172 households receiving assistance when their supply was at 25% or less. The program has also helped households that were at risk of a gas or electric disconnection, had disconnected utilities, or needed new or transferred service.

“Whether a household gets its heat from a utility company or from propane or other fuel supplies, we are here to help keep people warm in the event of a crisis,” GLCAP Energy Assistance Specialist Cortney Sturgill said. 

The Winter Crisis Program is available for households at or below 175% federal poverty guidelines (e.g. $27,387.50/household of one; $56,262.50 household of four), or 60% of state median income for households with 8 or more members.

Details are available at www.glcap.org/winterheating. Appointments for assistance may also be made by calling 419-273-4212 to schedule.