The CARES Crisis Emergency Assistance Program begins Monday offering assistance to low-income households with the cost of energy used to heat or cool the home. The program is administered through Ozark Opportunities, Inc. (OOI), headquartered in Harrison. The OOI service area includes Baxter, Boone, Marion, Newton and Searcy counties.
The program allows for the household to address a past due or depleted heating fuel source in preparation for the coming winter. It also allows the household to address any past due costs of cooling this summer.
The program accepts a maximum of two applications and runs through Sept. 30, 2021, or until funds have been exhausted.
All applicants must provide identification and proof of income for all household members for the month prior to application. A copy of electric, propane and/or natural gas bills is also required. Other information may be requested at the time of application. Applicants are asked to apply in the county in which they live.
Applications can be downloaded, completed and uploaded, or printed from the OOI website, www.ozarkopp.org, under the “Community Services, Utility Assistance Section.” Applications may also be obtained from take-one boxes located at OOI’s administration building, outreach offices, via fax, or email.
This program requires an interview. Those wishing to apply for the assistance should call their local office to schedule an appointment.
The phone numbers to reach local outreach offices are:
– Baxter County – 870-425-5118
– Boone County – 870-741-2089
– Marion County – 870-449-6250 or 870-425-5118
– Newton County – 870-446-2222 or 870-741-2089
– Searcy County – 870-448-2414 or 501-757-0155
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