Central Area Motivation Program Leads the Way With Increased Accessibility for Energy Assistance Program

SEATTLE, Aug. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Central Area Motivation Program (CAMP) is making their Energy Assistance Program more accessible to low-income Seattle residents struggling to keep up with their home heating bills.

CAMP provides assistance with energy costs to eligible households within Seattle.  It can be challenging for applicants to travel to the agency's office in the Central District for an Energy Assistance Program appointment. Applicants with Internet access can download the LIHEAP application from their website at www.campseattle.org and mail in their paperwork. Applicants do not have to have their utilities disconnected for nonpayment or be behind on their bill to apply.  

"CAMP has been a huge help," said Jolene, one of CAMP's Energy Assistance clients. "The help goes beyond sending someone to fix the furnace or help pay bills. It really had an effect on my whole life when CAMP stepped in to assist me."

CAMP's Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for families or individuals living in Seattle apartments or homes.  Applicants must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level to qualify for LIHEAP (A monthly income of $2298 after taxes for a family of four), and at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and a customer of Puget Sound Energy to qualify for Puget Sound Energy HELP.  Financial assistance to Seattle City Light, Puget Sound Energy, or local oil providers ranges from $25 to $1,000.

"In the current economy, many people need help paying their Seattle City Light bill or Puget Sound Energy bill, and we want to help as many as we can before funding runs out," said Leon Garnett, Program Director at CAMP.

To apply, Seattle residents should call the Energy Assistance Hotline at 800-348-7144 or visit www.campseattle.org for more information on eligibility and program hours.

About Central Area Motivation Program: For more than 45 years, CAMP has provided essential human services to meet the needs of Seattle's low-income residents.  CAMP is one of Washington's oldest and most respected community organizations, with programs and services helping more than 20,000 people annually through food, housing, and education programs.  CAMP's programs provide immediate financial relief to their clients, with special attention given to emergency situations such as power shutoff and eviction. For more information, visit www.campseattle.org.  

PR Contact: Melanie Morris
722 18th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
(425) 949-8309
[email protected]

SOURCE Central Area Motivation Program