Heating program pumps $5 million into economy

PAINTSVILLE – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program has closed its doors now that the cold weather season has passed. But the program leaves behind a considerable impression on the local economy.

According to James Michael Howell, the agency’s executive director, the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program provided $5 million to local families for heating assistance.

The program provided assistance to families in the five-county region, which includes Floyd, Pike, Johnson, Magoffin and Martin counties.

“Our agency’s goal is to help those in the community who are in need,” Howell said. “The help LIHEAP provides makes a difference between a family staying warm or suffering from the cold.”

The agency began taking LIHEAP applications in November 2008 and by the time the program closed its doors on March 31 had processed more than 27,000 applicants.

“The $5 million injected by LIHEAP into our local communities has a significant impact,” Howell said. “In addition to helping customers, the money has a ripple effect by supporting local energy providers and their employees and families. By helping the less fortunate, everyone benefits.”

In total, the program distributed $5,064,241 to help heat homes throughout the region.

The program is funded through the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services through the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and Community Action Kentucky.