Last winter season, more than 1,400 households received emergency heating assistance through the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) Winter Crisis Program.

The program helped 1,422 households in GLCAP’s service region reconnect utilities, prevent shut-offs, or replenish heating fuel through the cold-weather season of November through March. The Winter Crisis Program again helps households in need from Nov. 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.

The program serves Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, and Wood County households that are at risk of a utility shut-off, have disconnected utilities, or need to establish or transfer new service. The program also helps households that have a 25% or less supply of bulk fuel such as fuel oil or propane. 

To qualify, households of up to eight members must have income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g., $27,387.50 annual income for a household of one; $56,262.50 for a family of four). For households with nine or more members, income must be at or below 60% of the state median income.

Scheduling for appointments is available at 419-273-4212 or online at www.glcap.org/winterheating.