Taswood named emergency LIHEAP provider for Peoria County; office opens Oct. 1
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Summary
Taswood Community Services will begin administering LIHEAP, weatherization and an employment barrier reduction program for Peoria County starting Oct. 1 after the county's prior provider was defunded; agency says it will operate a local office and satellite sites to avoid service interruptions.
Lindsey Nance, chief executive officer of Taswood Community Services, told the Peoria County Board on Sept. 23 that Taswood will serve as the emergency LIHEAP provider for Peoria County beginning Oct. 1 and that staff set up a local office and outreach to avoid a lapse in services.
Why this matters: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) provides heating and cooling assistance and related services to income‑eligible households. A transition between providers that leaves a gap could cause missed assistance for residents at risk of utility shutoffs.
What Taswood said: Nance said the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) contacted Taswood after the previous provider, PCCEO, lost LIHEAP funding. Taswood staff had about seven weeks to secure office space, hire staff and prepare phone and in‑person systems. Taswood reported that: • It has provided LIHEAP and weatherization services since 1993 in other counties and expanded four years ago into a broader territory; last year Taswood served about 10,000 LIHEAP customers and anticipates serving about 20,000 with Peoria County included. (Speaker: Lindsey Nance) • Taswood will operate a Peoria office at 7625 North University (University Professional Building) and will offer in‑person appointments plus satellite/mobile office appointments in community locations and partnerships with Neighborhood Ministries, Neighborhood House, Tri‑County Urban League and Peoria Housing Authority. (Speaker: Lindsey Nance) • Taswood will provide LIHEAP, weatherization and an Employment Barrier Reduction Program (EBRP) that can address emergency needs such as water shutoff, eviction risk or transportation barriers for clients linked to DHS benefits. (Speaker: Lindsey Nance)
Board and staff notes: Board members praised the rapid setup to avoid interruption of services. A board member clarified that tenants with utilities included in rent remain eligible for a cash payment through LIHEAP to assist with rent. No formal board action was recorded; the item was presented as informational and Taswood will begin intake on Oct. 1.
Ending note: Taswood said it has already begun public outreach (social media and media coverage) and will accept applications by phone or in person; the board and staff indicated they will monitor the transition to ensure continuity.
