Overview

The Breathing Association as a HEAP provider is aware that on a daily basis low income families have to decide between keeping their homes warm in winter and cool in summer versus creating high energy bills that they are unable to meet. These crucial decisions affect the health of our most fragile and vulnerable customers; those with diagnosed chronic lung health issues.  We are also aware that many customers use alternative methods to heat their homes (using stoves, making inside fires in closed areas, etc.) to provide warmth. It is these times that HEAP dollars protect health and safety.

In 1988, TBA was the first agency to partner public health and energy by providing air conditioners and electric utility vendor payments to households who were income eligible and had lung health diagnosis. This program was known as “Project AirCare”.

In 2005-2006, TBA expanded its energy assistance program and opened a year round HEAP program to all eligible Franklin County residents. This program provides a number of services under its HEAP umbrella: The Winter Crisis Program (WCP), Summer Crisis Program (SCP), Percentage Income Payment Plan (PIPP), and Regular HEAP.

All programs with the exception of Regular HEAP must have a face to face interview. Households must be income eligible, and provide other documentation (see program guidelines). If a household receives a payment, PIPP or an alternate payment plan must be set up to make the remainder of the bill more manageable.  

In partnership with: