Prairie Opportunity Inc. has been providing heating and cooling assistance for low-income families in Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties for 50 years.
Even so, there are many eligible residents unaware of the service the non-profit organization provides, according to Laura A. Marshall, the executive director of Prairie Opportunity.
“Right now, we have about $100,000 in funding that is still available for each of the two counties,” Marshall said. “We want to make sure that people who qualify are aware that there is help.”
Marshall said the assistance can range from paying utility bills to repairing or replacing failing heating or air-conditioning equipment. The money can be used for gas, electric or propane systems, she said.
The program — funded by a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant — helps roughly 5,000 residents in the two counties each year.
Although the program runs through the end of the year, Dec. 15 is the cutoff date for applying for the assistance.
“There’s still time to apply,” Marshall said.
For more information on the program, including eligibility requirements, residents in Lowndes County can call 662-328-1669. Oktibbeha County residents can call 662-323-3397.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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