The low-income home heating program opened on November 01, for senior households (65+) and on December 01, 2009 for the general public. Funds are still available to assist households who have NOT applied since November 2009. Appointments are required.

To be eligible household be responsible for their home heating cost and must meet income guidelines. For example:

• 1 person      $21,458
• 2 person      $28,061     
• 3 person     $34,663
• 4 person      $41,266
• 5 person      $47,868
• 6 person      $54,471
• 7 person      $55,709
• 8 person      $56,947

For each additional person add $1,238

In order for staff to complete an application. At minimum, all applicants MUST bring to intake:

• Proof of income for all household members 18 years of age and older for the last 30 days, if irregular then 90 days,
• Most recent home heating bill
• Picture ID of applicant
• Proof of social security numbers for all household members

Volunteers are needed to assist with intake. Training will be provided. 

    EFSP FUNDS ARE EXPECTED IN OCONEE COUNTY

We expect the guidelines to include:

Program Guidelines for utility assistance include: While a disconnection notice is not required, the utility bill (electric, gas, water) must be past due or due within five days. Payment must guarantee at least 30 days of service. Documentation is required. The most that can be paid with EFSP funds is one month.

Program Guidelines for rental/mortgage assistance: While an eviction of foreclosure notice is not required, the payment must be past due or due within five days. Payment must guarantee at least 30 days of not being evicted. Agency form for landlord to complete is available and preferred. Documentation is required. The most that can be paid with EFSP funds is one month.

In an effort to provide services in the most effective and efficient manner the following interview screening guidelines apply:

 1)Documentation of extenuating situation in the household to include: unexpected household expense, illness, car repairs, etc

2)Loss of income to include: loss of employment and reduced work hours.

3) Households applying for these services MUST provide documentation of need, social security numbers for all household members, proof of income from all source, and proof of total amount due and the total amount needed to prevent temination of utility and/or to avoid eviction.

Appointments are required. Please call 706.769.3981 to schedule an appointment.

 Oconee County Community Services distributes groceries and personal items to seniors who are enrolled in our Senior Grocery Bag" on third Wednesday of each month with bagging on the afternoon on the third Tuesday.  Currently, 36 seniors are enrolled. We do have a waiting list.

If you or if you know of a senior who would like to prticipate in this program, please call our office for more information and to have the name put on our waitng list. The monthly distribution is for the enrolled seniors only.

We need grocery items and personal items for the seniors. Items needed for their Grocery Bag include:  

• cereals  
• basic staples to include:  flour, sugar, corn meal, coffee, tea, mayo, mustard
• boxed meals
• pastas and sauces
• canned meats
• fresh veggies and fruits (we have limited freezer and refrigeration)
• juice
• deli (sandwich) meats/spreads
• breads

Personal Items:

• bath tissue
• body wash
• body lotion
• baby shampoo
• foot cream
• hand cream 
• laundry detergent
• dish detergent
• trash bags
• mouth wash
• note pads and pens
• book marks
• fabric softner sheets
• comb/brush
• shower caps
• paper towels
• face tissue

These items are needed monthy.  You may drop off your donation at the ACTION, Inc. Oconee Community Service Center in Bishop or our Snior Grocry Bag partner, the Oconee Area Resource Council (OARC). Call us and we will make arrangements for you to deliver or us to come to you and pick up!

Remember, we bag on Tuesday afternoon before the Wednesday distribution. Volunteers are needed.

 The Oconee County Community Service Center is now has an "emergency" pantry. This pantry will in no way compete with existing pantries in Oconee County, rather complement.

The emergency boxes are available during regular office hours. Households receiving the food boxes MUST meet income guidelines and provide documentation. Please call to schedule an appointment (706.769.3981).

Our intent is to have available emergency food boxes with a supply food for up to three days. This will "fill-in" the gap for emergency food supply when local pantries are closed.

This service is funded through September 30 2010 with Community Servcies Block Grant Recovry Act funds.