KCAO Reopens Home and Energy Assistance Applications to Support Local Families

Kings Community Action Agency is once again accepting applications for its Home and Energy programs, reopening access to weatherization and utility assistance for families across Kings County after a temporary pause tied to the federal government shutdown late last year.

Jenny Hoffmaster, Director of KCAO’s Home and Energy Department, said the return of funding is allowing the agency to serve more families and respond to growing community needs. As energy prices continue to increase, many households are finding it difficult to keep up with monthly bills, making these services especially critical right now.

“The trends we’re seeing are families that just can’t afford to pay their energy bill,” she said. “The energy prices are going up, and families are finding it really challenging.”

Through the Home and Energy Department, KCAO offers weatherization services that improve a home’s energy efficiency, along with utility assistance to help prevent service shutoffs. The department also provides emergency assistance for households without heat in the winter, cooling in the summer, or access to hot water. These services are intended not only to address immediate needs, but also to help families lower their energy costs and achieve financial stability over time.

“If you don’t have hot water, in the wintertime if you don’t have heating, or in the summer if you don’t have cooling, then we may be able to help with some emergency funds that we could apply and help families with,” Hoffmaster said.

Hoffmaster noted that many families are still feeling the financial effects of the pandemic and rising living costs. Some households are carrying large utility balances, while others are struggling month to month as energy rates climb. KCAO works to support families wherever possible, helping them stay connected to essential services and avoid further hardship.

To make the application process more accessible, KCAO now offers online applications that are open 24 hours a day, allowing families to apply at their convenience.

“Applications are open online 24/7,” Hoffmaster said. “They can apply on weekends, at night, and they don’t have to take off work to come in and see us.”

For residents who are not comfortable applying online, in-person assistance is still available, and staff can also help families who are completely disconnected from services.

Hoffmaster encourages families who are struggling with high energy costs to reach out.

“If they do have high energy bills, I highly encourage them to apply for the weatherization program, so that can help them to save on energy costs in the future,” she said.

For more information about eligibility and available services, Kings County residents can visit www.KCAO.org.