Crisis Intervention / Advocacy Outreach Crisis intervention and advocacy outreach are services provided on behalf of the client/customer by the Social Work staff. This is not to be confused with referrals. Crisis intervention/advocacy outreach requires actual contact with the program or individuals with whom the client/customer has had difficulties. It may also require accompanying client/customer to appointments with legal counsel, physicians, other counselors, and/or Jobs and Family Services representatives. Any one feeling lost in the system, please contact the Social Service office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185.   Heating / Cooling Assistance: State HEAP / Emergency HEAP Winter Crisis and Summer Crisis Programs   Federally funded programs designed to help eligible Ohioans meet the rising cost of home heating during the winter and home cooling during the summer. Applicants must meet 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. For more information, contact Community Action Committee of Pike County at 740-289-2371. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (also called State or Regular HEAP) The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a state assistance program designed to help low income families meet the high costs of home heating during the winter months. For more information, contact the State HEAP office at 1-800-282-0880. Winter Crisis Program (also called Emergency HEAP) The Winter Crisis Program can prevent disconnection of heating utilities and restore heating services to households that have been disconnected. This program can also pay for an emergency delivery of bulk fuel when the supply is down to 10 days or less. Households can receive this assistance one time per program year. The Winter Crisis Program runs from November 1 through March 31. Summer Crisis Program (also called Summer HEAP) The Summer Crisis Program provides one-time assistance to eligible families to offset high electricity costs associated with the summer cooling season and, depending on other criteria, assistance with cooling equipment such as an air conditioner or a fan. The Summer Crisis Program runs from July 1 through August 31. Summer Cooling Program will begin July 1 and continue through August 31.   Emergency Food Pantry   This service was established to assist low-income households in emergency food situations (see guidelines below). An assessment is made by the intake personnel/social work assistant/social worker to determine income eligibility and need. A food card is completed and documented proof of income is required. The client/customer is required to sign and address a log sheet. Intake personnel/social work assistant/social worker completes the remaining information on the log sheet. A three-day supply of food is distributed to the client/customer based on household size and the availability of food stuffs. Assistance is provided once every six months or on an emergency basis. Any one in need of food assistance, please contact the Social Service office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185. Donations: Anyone wishing to donate non-perishable food items may call the Social Service Department at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185.   Furniture Distribution   The Community Action Committee of Pike County Social Service Department in conjunction with the Clothing Center will distribute donated furniture and appliances to those households in need of such items. Priorities are given to victims of natural disasters: floods, fire, and homeless families or individuals. Please contact either the Social Service office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185 or the Clothing Center at 740-289-8175. Donations: Please contact the Social Service office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185 or the Clothing Center at 740-289-8175. All donations are tax deductible.   Information and Referral Service   A major function to the Social Service office is to provide information and referrals to client/customers when direct service is unavailable. The client/customer may contact the Social Service staff to discuss the problem or need. The intake worker will inform the client/customer of existing human service agencies and assist the client/customer in determining the best possible way of meeting the client/customer needs. Also, the client/customer will be advised of existing agency programs and be referred to any that the client/customer may be able to utilize. If you or a family member are not aware of services available to you, please call the Social Service office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185.   Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)   Click the link below for more information regarding this program. Customer Information   Senior Companion Volunteer Program   The Corporation of Ohio Appalachian Development sponsors the Senior Companion Program via the Community Action Committee of Pike County. Volunteer Senior Companions assist elderly persons to remain in their homes. Persons interested in becoming a Senior Companion must meet the Poverty Guidelines of 125%, be 60 years of age or older, be willing to volunteer a minimum of four (4) hours per day, five (5) days per week. Senior Companion volunteers receive an hourly stipend for their service and are reimbursed for mileage, while earning vacation and sick leave. The stipend is not considered income for any purpose and is non-taxable. By providing in-home service and companionship, older persons may remain in their own home and avoid the necessity of nursing home or assisted living. Our volunteer services may include sharing a meal, reading, helping with correspondence, shopping, or just listening to the client. No income guidelines are needed to receive services. For more information or an application, contact the Social Services Office at 740-289-2371 or toll free: 1-866-820-1185 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Ohio Benefit Bank Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program   SafeLink Wireless Program   Click the link below to learn about SafeLink Wireless SafeLink Wireless