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The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency (UETHDA) RV will be traveling throughout the region in September, helping those needing assistance with their energy bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps keep individuals and families safe and healthy by assisting with energy costs.

For those who qualify, a payment is sent directly to the recipient’s utility company and credited to their bill. Payments can take up to 90 days to be applied. Priority is given to low-income, energy-burdened, disabled, and elderly individuals, as well as homes with young children under 6, veterans, and large households. Last year, UETHDA provided LIHEAP funding to 11,730 households, totaling more than $5.7 million.

Locally, the UETHDA RV will be at ARM, 704 W. C St., on Sept. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Second Harvest Food Bank at Sunset Free Will Baptist Church, 6676 Highway 19E, Roan Mountain, on Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m.; Salvation Army, 200 Ashe St., Johnson City, on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Good Samaritan Ministries, 100 N. Roan St., Johnson City, on Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

People may also visit one of the nine neighborhood service centers located in UETHDA’s eight-county service area for aid, or call (423) 246-6180. LIHEAP is just one of many services offered to help with self-sufficiency. If you or someone you know needs help, contact UETHDA.