U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America
|
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services |
|
|
Improving the health, safety, and well-being of America |
Font Size 
Print 
Download Reader 
This is an archive page. The links are no longer being updated.
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Sept. 30, 1999 |
Contact: | Michael Kharfen (202) 410-9215 |
"The devastation caused by the floods in North Carolina have put low-income families, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities at risk," Secretary Shalala said. "We want to help reassure people who have lost electricity and suffered damage to their homes that federal help is available."
North Carolina can use the funds for utility reconnection costs, repair or replacement of circuit boxes, furnaces and air conditioners, removal and replacement of soggy insulation, as well as paying energy costs through the winter. The amount of funds to the state will be in addition to the LIHEAP grant of $20.3 million awarded earlier this year for fiscal year 1999.
LIHEAP funds traditionally provide heating and cooling assistance, weatherization and crisis assistance. In 1998, Congress authorized using the LIHEAP emergency contingency funds to respond to the aftermath of natural disasters, including floods.
LIHEAP funds provide cooling and heating assistance to approximately four to five million households annually. Nearly half are families with children under 18. Senior citizens, persons with disabilities and working poor individuals are also served by this program. Seventy percent of these households have incomes below $8,000 per year.
###