Manley Highlights Relief Programs for Households

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – To ensure that residents have the financial resources they need to get through the winter months, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is encouraging residents to take advantage of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs, which can provide aid to residents for a variety of household expenses.

“With the temperature beginning to drop, it is important that residents are able to pay for household necessities, such as heat,” said Manley. “Especially after a year in which many working families had financial difficulties, we cannot abandon members of our community to struggle to get by without any support.”

As part of her efforts to provide constituents with much-needed support, Manley is promoting the LIHEAP and CSBG programs. During the previous legislative session, Manley voted to expand the amount of residents eligible for LIHEAP, which helps pay for home energy services, such as heating, gas, propane and electricity. In addition, Manley is also highlighting the CSBG program, which provides residents with assistance for essentials such as rent, food, temporary shelter, medicine and more. Both of these programs are currently open for applications. For more information or to apply, please visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/HomeWeatherization/CommunityActionAgencies/Pages/HelpIllinoisFamilies.aspx

“No one should have to turn off their heat or skip a meal because they cannot afford to buy the things they need to survive,” said Manley. “Resources are available to ensure everyone is able to receive essential services, and I highly encourage residents to take a moment and see if they are eligible for these vital programs.”