As those temperatures drop, it means your heating bill is rising.
Many people struggling to make ends meet are finding out they could soon be left in the cold if they can't pay but you could qualify for help
"It’s very cold! And if the heat goes out, we're gonna be real cold!" said Cristie Coleman.
She and her two boys just got a past-due notice from LG&E saying if they don't pay their heating bill soon, they will be left in the cold.
"A past due bill. I've been laid off work for about six months. I haven’t been good. I do need all the help I can get ," said Coleman.
They are one family in a crowd of people making appointments Monday morning to apply for help from LIHEAP, the low-income heating assistance program.
"The definition is if someone is in crisis, they have received a brown bill from LG&E threatening their service cut off or may have already been disconnected," said Debbie Belt, Dept. of Housing and Family Services.
Last year, the crisis phase of this program helped a record 14,000 people in Jefferson County pay their heating bills.
More than half of them were applying for the first time.
This year, officials say they expect the same because people are still unemployed, and they are still struggling to make ends meet.
"It's been difficult without a job... Daycare, anything... It's really difficult to do anything," said Coleman.
Beginning January 4th, the program hopes to make at least one bill less difficult to pay. The program runs through March.
You can sign up for appointments at any of the three centers in Louisville, you do have to go in person.
Locations:
The Urban Government Center on Barret Avenue
The Newburg Community Center on Exeter Avenue
The Southwest Government Center on Dixie Highway
Those locations are open this Monday thru Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
You'll need to bring a picture ID and your most recent heating bill.
If you qualify, they'll set up an appointment where you'll need to bring more detailed financial information.
