Kilmer Announces New Federal Funding to Lower Energy Costs for Families Living on Tribal Lands
Funded in part through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program keeps families safe through initiatives that assist with energy costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) announced that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Community Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded a total of $403,447 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to eight Tribes in Washington’s Sixth Congressional District:
- $7,614 for the Hoh Indian Tribe
- $15,220 for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
- $37,217 for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
- $120,093 for the Makah Indian Tribe
- $25,387 for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
- $49,047 for the Quileute Tribe
- $133,649 for the Quinault Indian Nation
- $15,220 for the Suquamish Indian Tribe
“As we head into the winter months, many families struggle to pay their heating and energy bills. That’s particularly true in Tribal communities,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Thankfully, help is on the way. Due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I am proud to announce that several Tribes in our region will soon receive important investments to lower energy costs and help families heat their homes in the winter. That’s a big deal for families trying to make ends meet.”
The funding is designed to assist low-income individuals and families within these Tribal communities to cover their home heating expenses during winter. Furthermore, LIHEAP not only aids in making homes more energy efficient through weatherization but also provides support during energy emergencies caused by disasters or extreme weather. LIHEAP plays a pivotal role in reducing home heating and cooling expenses, restoring disconnected energy services, preventing potential energy cutoffs, and facilitating minor energy-related home repairs. This ensures that communities can fulfill their energy requirements and remain safe within their residences.
“In these challenging economic times with rising costs, our Tribe is very grateful for this grant to help our many families in need of energy cost assistance,” said W. Ron Allen, Tribal Chair/CEO, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe. “We’re thankful for the great advocacy by Congressman Kilmer.”
“LIHEAP plays a critical role in ensuring our community stays safe and warm during the coldest parts of the year,” said Cheryl Miller, Executive Director of Children & Family Services, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. “Without it, some of our Tribal Elders and families would face significant challenges covering energy costs. On behalf of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, I want to extend my gratitude to the US Department of Health and Human Services for this grant award.”
“Ensuring that our Elders and Tribal families are warm in the winter and can get cool during our increasingly hot summers is a priority of the Suquamish Tribe,” said Joshua Bagley, Vice Chair, Suquamish Indian Tribe. “We appreciate the LIHEAP funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the advocacy of Rep. Derek Kilmer.”
“LIHEAP is an important federal program that ensures heating services stay connected, homes are properly weatherized and housing is more energy efficient at the Quinault Nation,” said Guy Capoeman, President Quinault Indian Nation. “I know the LIHEAP program is often targeted for cuts every Fiscal Year and I want to thank Congressman Derek Kilmer and the other champions of the LIHEAP program for ensuring Congress continues to fully fund this important program.”
“LIHEAP is critical to lowering energy costs for families, and protecting the health and safety of households, particularly those that include older adults, individuals with disabilities, and young children,” said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. “With additional support from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, this essential program will help households keep the heat on in the winter and stay cool in the summer while still being able to afford other essentials necessary for good health like food, medicine, and housing.”
“LIHEAP is a lifeline for households across the country who need support with their home energy bills,” said Acting Assistant Secretary and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families Jeff Hild. “Last year alone LIHEAP served more than six million households. By helping to alleviate the burden of home energy costs, LIHEAP advances ACF’s mission to promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, and communities.”
About LIHEAP
LIHEAP provides heating and cooling assistance to roughly 6.7 million households annually. This historic investment is part of a total of $3.7 billion in funding awarded by ACF through LIHEAP, using funds appropriated by Congress from the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024, as well as $100 million appropriated for FY 2024 as part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or?call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at:?1-866-674-6327.
Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.
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