Centre’s own Andrew Jones, the District 10 State Senator, shared some great news Monday, as he announced yet another round of funding for energy assistance to low-income families across the area.  Senator Jones told WEIS Radio News “We’re in the middle of winter, and it’s always a challenge for those folks to make those payments to keep their house heated and those types of things, so these grants help to facilitate some of that.”

The Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama – which serves Cherokee, DeKalb and a number of surrounding counties – will be receiving a total of $4,127,500 – meanwhile; the Community Action Agency of Etowah County will receive $1,528,500.  The senator told us that this is the second round of grant funding of this type to be received within his district.

The program offers assistance on a one-time basis to low-income families – to meet heating and cooling energy costs and keep service from being terminated in health crisis situations; funds are paid directly to utility companies and vendors.

Of course, there are certain requirements which MUST be met in order to be eligible for this program.

For detailed information visit the website www.caaneal.org or call the office in Rainsville at (256) 638-4430.

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

Notice – If ANY of following applies to YOU OR ANYONE in your household, then you MUST have all documentation in order to keep your appointment with Community Action Agency.

Please read carefully as our NO INCOME requirements have changed. You must have:

– Original Social Security cards for everyone in your household. (We will not accept a copy)
– Current Alabama Picture ID of head of household including spouse, if applicable. Please check your ID expiration date.
– An Unpaid Current Original Power/Gas Bill. Note: Utility bills MUST be in head of household or spouse’s name only. If in the Landlord’s name you must provide rental agreement or letter.
– You MUST provide proof of Gross income for the PREVIOUS MONTH for ALL PERSONS living in the household this includes, but may not cover all types:
– Check stubs from employer, Social Security, SSI, pension, unemployment, and VA benefits. If you are a NACOLG employee our agency requires your income. (We will not accept bank statements.)
– Child support, TANF & Child Social Security/SSI benefits
– Any other income information you may have.

All household members, 18 and over, MUST PROVIDE an original NOTARIZED statement using Form 125 for anyone claiming no income for the previous month.

Please make note:

– The person filling out your no income statement must go with you to the notary’s office. They must also list their address and phone number on the statement.
– The following persons cannot fill out your no income statement: You, a relative, an immediate family member, or anyone in the household.
– We will not accept a hand written no income statement. You MUST use the new Form 125. You may visit one of our offices to request a form or visit our website at www.caaneal.org to print it prior to your appointment.
– Non-parental guardians MUST PROVIDE documentation from the Court or Department of Human Resources showing current permanent or temporary custody of children living in the household.
– If you live in reduced income housing which includes, Public Housing, Section 8, or ANY income based housing you must bring your lease and housing choice voucher.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a low-income grant available within the seven county area managed by our agency.

This grant is designed to lower the energy usage and improve the health and safety of the applicants by tightening up their homes and preventing outside air infiltration into the homes thereby, lowering their monthly energy bills.

Possible Weatherization Assistance Program measures that can be performed on the home are: air sealing/infiltration reduction, attic insulation, dense-pack sidewall insulation, duct insulation, floor insulation, programmable thermostat, refrigerator replacement, general energy saving measures, heater repair or replacement & health and safety measures.

After an energy savings and indoor air quality assessment is done on the homes by a BPI qualified quality control inspector. The Weatherization coordinator then decides what repairs are to be done to the homes according to the Department of Energy rules and regulations. Bids are then sent to qualified and licensed independent contractors contracted by our agency.

The low bidding contractor is awarded the homes according to Alabama bid law. A final inspection is then made and approved by a BPI qualified quality control inspector before contractors are compensated. The independent contractors are required to carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance, state licensees and proof of extensive training. Operations under these agreements are carefully monitored and audited under federal guidelines to assure compliance with program regulations.

Our Mission

To build coalitions of partnerships, volunteers and programs dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by improving the quality of life and empowering community participants to become self-sufficient in Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and St. Clair counties.