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MARIETTA - The Summer Crisis Program is once again available through Washington-Morgan Community Action and can provide assistance to help families stay cool during the hot summer months.
From July 1 through Sept. 30, 2026 income-eligible Ohioans can receive assistance in paying their electric bill, purchasing an air conditioner or fan, or making repairs to their central air conditioning unit through the Ohio Department of Development's Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households that have received a disconnection notice, have already been disconnected, are trying to establish new electric service, require air conditioning or have a household member age 60 or older.
Assistance is also available for households with a member of any age who can provide physician documentation verifying that cooling assistance is needed for a medical condition. Qualifying medical conditions may include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma and other qualifying conditions.
To qualify for assistance, Ohioans must have a gross household income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for households of up to eight members, or 60% of the State Median Income for households with nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $57,750.
To apply, clients must schedule an appointment by calling (740) 370-1328.
Applicants must bring copies of the following documents to their appointment:
• Their most recent energy bills.
• A list of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days and/or the last 12 months for each household member.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members.
• Proof of disability (if applicable).
• Physician documentation stating that cooling assistance is medically necessary for a household member’s health (if there is not a household member age 60 or older).
• Households with no income must provide documentation of their circumstances (such as past-due bills, tax transcripts, letters of support, etc.).
• Additional documentation may be required.
Appointments are required and must be completed in person. Walk-ins will only be accepted for emergency situations, schedule permitting. Applications cannot be processed until all required documentation has been submitted. Air conditioners and fans are available only to eligible households that meet all program requirements and have not received an air conditioner or fan through the Summer Crisis Program within the past three years.
The Washington-Morgan Community Action offices are located at 218 Putnam St. in Marietta, Ohio and 50 W. Third St. in Malta, Ohio. The Marietta office can be reached at (740) 373-3745 and the Malta office can be reached at (740) 962-3827.
The HEAP departments in both Washington and Morgan counties are closed daily from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.