CHICAGO – It’s only a mirage. Chicago residents should not be fooled as the weather is expected to be unseasonably warmer than usual for the Thanksgiving holidays; winter is coming. To help ensure residents are not caught off guard when colder temperatures arrive for the season, Peoples Gas is hosting two community outreach days to arm residents with information to help them stay warm.
Peoples Gas, along with representatives from CEDA (Community Economic Development Association) and ComEd will be on site at the community outreach days to provide information on financial resources and programs that are available to assist customers who are struggling to pay their energy costs. Representatives from state, city and human service organizations will also be on site to provide information to residents.
“It’s not too late to begin planning for winter,” said Adrienne M. Jones, director, Government and Community Relations. “There are resources available to assist residents in need. We encourage everyone who can to attend one of the community outreach days and take advantage of these programs and services.”
The Community Outreach Days are being held as follows:
Date – Location – Time
Sat., Dec. 3 – Malcolm X College – 1900 W. Van Buren Street – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 10 – Rainbow PUSH Headquarters – 930 E. 50th Street – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CEDA will accept applications at the community outreach days from customers who are eligible to apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) grants and the PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) program. Customers may be eligible for these programs if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as follows:
Family Income Guidelines
Size of Family – 30 Days Income
1 – $1,361
2 – $1,839
3 – $2,316
4 – $2,794
5 – $3,271
Customers should bring the following documents with them to apply for LIHEAP and PIPP:
- Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date.
- Copy of most recent utility bill.
- Proof of Social Security Numbers of all household members.
Families who qualify for LIHEAP funding would also qualify for the PIPP program. Customers can apply for either program at one location, but are only eligible to receive benefits from one.
