The temperature began dropping this week in Moore County with overnight lows dipping into the thirties this week. Unfortunately, this creates more bad news for less fortunate families here in Moore County as the state recently announced that due to the federal government shutdown, the 2026 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding has not yet been announced.

The program, which is part of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, is a federally funded grant program created by the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1981. The program aims to assist low-income households, primarily those who pay a high proportion of household income on home energy, in meeting their immediate energy needs. In Tennessee LIHEAP is administered through a network of 19 local agencies that reach all 95 counties. LIHEAP is a one-time assistance offered to help defray heating and cooling expenses, as long as funding is available.

It provides help to mainly elderly, disabled, and low-income households in our community. These funds help offset a portion of the energy costs used to heat and cool the home. Funds are not distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they are awarded based on household vulnerability – meaning those with the greatest need are prioritized. Assistance will be provided as funds become available throughout the year. Typically, the amount awarded ranges from $174 to $750, depending on household energy burden.

While local agencies cannot award assistance until funds are released, local families can still apply beginning November 1 at 8 a.m. This year, applications must be submitted online. A link will be available at www.schra.us/services/energy-assistance closer to the start date.

LIHEAP officials say they will place all applicants on a waiting list until federal funds are released and made available in Tennessee.

South Central Human Resource Agency administers the program locally. Any family with limited Internet access or who simply need help filling out their application, can reach out to the local Neighborhood Service Center for help. Those offices in Moore County are located at the County Building at 241 Main Street here in Lynchburg. They are open Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and you can also reach out to them at 931-759-7827. •

{The Lynchburg Times is a nonpartisan, independent community newspaper serving Lynchburg, Tennessee and the surrounding counties. We not only cover local events but also volunteer our time and resources to make sure they are a success. You can support us, by clicking here.}