Step Forward has announced a reorganization within the agency’s Energy Assistance Services Department.
This decision comes in response to a 43 percent reduction in funding for the 2025 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant, which begins on September 1, 2024. As a result, the agency is obligated to adjust its staffing levels, impacting 15 positions within the department. These changes are effective immediately.
These changes have several immediate impacts:
Summer Crisis Program: No additional appointments will be scheduled for the remainder of the summer.
Rescheduling of Existing Appointments: Some appointments, particularly those scheduled for the next two weeks, will be rescheduled to later dates through the end of September.
HEAP Courtesy Center: Our HEAP Courtesy Center will temporarily suspend walk-in services through September 30 as staff are redirected to assist with rescheduled appointments.
“This reduction in staffing is a direct response to significant decreases in federal funding for the HEAP program, which has returned to pre-pandemic levels,” Jackie Boehnlein, Step Forward’s Vice President of Community Services, said. “While we have regained stability as an organization, the reality of a 43 percent funding cut has forced us to make difficult adjustments to ensure that we can continue to serve our community effectively.”
With the loss of staff, Step Forward estimates it will provide 10,000 fewer crisis appointments for the 2025 program year.
Step Forward is updating its online booking system to prioritize appointments based on the severity of need. For the upcoming Winter Crisis Program, which begins on November 1, 2024, clients who have been disconnected and are without heat will be given the highest priority. Additionally, instead of simply stating ‘no appointments available,’ Step Forward will provide clients with information on their consumer rights as utility customers in Ohio and offer alternative sources of assistance.
All clients needing assistance should consider Step Forward’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) to help prevent seasonal utility crises. PIPP offers individualized, affordable payments based on household income, ensuring that any charges above the PIPP payment are not the responsibility of the account holder, as long as monthly payments are made in full and on time. Clients can apply, reverify their income annually, and reapply if their income changes, online or by mail, without an appointment.
“We are deeply disappointed by the reduction in funding, and we understand how challenging this will be for our community and clients who rely on us during times of crisis,” Boehnlein said. “While Step Forward will continue to do everything we can to support those in need, the reality is that our HEAP program was already overwhelmed with demand, and we were struggling to accommodate all appointment requests even before these cuts.”
For more information about Step Forward’s Energy Assistance Programs, including information about PIPP, click here.
For press inquiries, please contact Communications Specialist Taylor Wilson at 216-696-9077 ext. 515 or via email at tawilson@stepforwardtoday.org.
.png)
Comments