Executive Director of Project Now, Dwight Ford, says 9,000 households applied, and only two-thirds qualified.
"Some of the challenges were of course due to COVID, and some of the challenges were due to documentation for some of the residents. We're working with customers and trying to re-strategize how to best meet people at their point of need."
The community action agency says 6,500 applicants qualified and took advantage of nearly 7.1 million dollars from the state. That's an average of 593 dollars per customer.
Ford wants to increase the number of households that qualify next season which starts September 1st.
" It's one thing to have need and no resources in a community. We're thankful for to have resources and we're doing our best to move those resources as fast as possible and to empty our coffers and to make sure that the wherewithal for families to have energy assistance is always there."
Ford encourages anyone in need to call Project Now before they get a final notice from their utility. The agency has emergency aid and other resources available.
