Posted on June 18th, 2024

By Jon Dowding

Read on News 12

Over $22 million is available now to help New Yorkers stay cool from the comfort of their own homes.

The Home Energy Assistance Program provides help to those who need financial assistance for cooling and heating in their homes.

Health & Welfare Council of LI president and CEO Vanessa Baird-Streeter says the resource can provide major assistance to families across Long Island during the summer.

“The opportunity to be able to get up to $800 for an air conditioner or a fan and then up to (…) $1,000 for a sleeve, that is really going to provide some relief for residents and our community members,” she said.

Most people who qualify for HEAP mainly seek assistance during the winter months and often forget the assistance is available during the summer months as well.

“Residents who are eligible for HEAP, have the opportunity to be eligible for cooling assistance as well,” said Baird-Streeter. “And we really don’t think about that.”

Use this link to find the HEAP assistance contacts for Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Learn more about the HEAP cooling assistance program here.