The Warm Neighbors Program

The Warm Neighbors program is part of the Energy Assistance Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization founded in 1982 by Illinois Power, now known as AmerenIP, to provide bill payment assistance and home weatherization for qualifying customers. Working with local agencies in AmerenIP's service territory, grants are available for those in danger of losing their primary heating supply. Since its inception, the program has helped weatherize almost 3,700 homes and provided heating assistance to over 30,000 households.

The program is designed to help those who generally do not qualify for federal or state heating assistance. AmerenIP, its employees and customers provide funding for the program. Every dollar contributed to Warm Neighbors goes directly to help pay heating bills and weatherizing homes, not for administrative expenses.

The program is a matching fund in which we can pay up to $100 if the client does as well. For more information on this program please contact the chapter at 344 - 1611 and ask for Rosabel Dillman. You can also visit the offical Warm Neighbors website.

Qualifications:

The purpose of the Warm Neighbors Payment Program is to provide heating bill payment assistance for people facing the loss of their heating supply. To qualify for funding applicants must reside within AmerenIP's service territory and be in danger of losing their primary source of heat. The program begins on December 1 and ends May 31. To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
    · Total household income at or below 200% of poverty level
    · Primary wage earner is unemployed
    · Demonstrate personal or family crisis