Community action agency to take LIHEAP applications in mid‑September; county partners list local events and resources

A representative of the East Central Line Community Action Agency told the county board on Sept. 9 that the agency will begin taking applications for LIHEAP energy‑assistance on Sept. 17 in Iroquois, Ford and Dominguez counties, with benefits not scheduled to open until Oct. 1.

The announcement is timely as the heating‑assistance season approaches; LIHEAP is a federal program that provides help to households that meet income and other eligibility criteria.

The outside‑organization report included other community resources: the Community Foundation of the River Valley is accepting grant applications from eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the county; local business coaching and an entrepreneurship prep boot camp were promoted by a local business‑support organization; and a number of fall community events and a pumpkin patch were listed as upcoming activities.

The community‑action representative also introduced a program described as a “neighbors cool friends” service to be administered from the Iroquois County office for families who do not otherwise qualify for LIHEAP benefits. Agency staff provided a phone number and website references for residents seeking more information.

Board members did not take formal action on these items; the announcements were shared during the public outreach/organization‑reports portion of the meeting.