TAKE TIME TO THANK THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED – Voice Of The Township

It is that time of year again when you can see the seasons turning right before your eyes, and you feel the days becoming colder. Winter will be here soon. Winter weather brings winter bills, and that is the unfortunate focus of many families around the holidays. If you are struggling financially this year, the Wayne Township Trustee Office wants to inform you of a program here in Fort Wayne called Energy Assistance.

This year’s Energy Assistance Program began on November 3rd. The program helps with a portion of one’s winter heating bills. For information relating to this, you may call the CANI appointment and information line at 800-589-2264 or access information online at canihelp.org.

For appointments, there are a few items that you must bring. First, proof of income for the last 12 months for all household members over the age of 18 is required. Anyone over 18 with no income must submit a Zero Income Verification Form and a Wage History Statement. You must also bring copies of current utility bills, including electric and gas. If attending school, you must bring in your current school schedule. You must also provide a social security number for all persons in the household over age 1. If you are renting, you must submit a copy of your lease. There will also be a Landlord Affidavit for your landlord to submit.

Another part of the Energy Assistance Program is that in some circumstances it allows your household to be put under a moratorium, which allows your gas or electricity to stay on through the winter months. Even if you are under the moratorium, you should continue paying as much as you can on your heating bills throughout the winter. If no payment is made, you will be looking at an extremely large bill once the spring weather hits. Fewer agencies will be helping at that time of the year. Any questions pertaining to Energy Assistance should be directed to the Energy Assistance Professional.

Our outside sign displays the verbiage “START WINTERIZING YOUR HOME”. CANI’s Weatherization Program provides low-income families with a home energy audit and energy-savings education. It offers energy-efficient repairs and improvements, such as air sealing and insulation. Both renters and homeowners may qualify for the program. The services may help reduce your energy consumption. For energy conservation tips access www.energy.gov.

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Should you need additional assistance with your heating bills after using Energy Assistance, be sure to call 260-449-7000 to find out how to apply for assistance here at the Wayne Township Trustee Office. Each client that receives assistance from our office must apply for Energy Assistance. The township assistance, combined with Energy Assistance, along with doing the best you can individually, should allow families to enjoy heat during the harsh winter months.

On a different note, I’d like to take this time to remember and give honor to our Veterans, who carried out their duty to maintain the freedoms of our Country. Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day; A day we honor those who have served our Country. We pay tribute to Veterans and those who are currently serving. They and their family members have made many sacrifices for our Country and for all of us. I encourage all of you to say thank you to our Veterans and military personnel. I personally want to take this time and say “Thank You”.

Richard A. Stevenson, Sr.
Wayne Township Trustee
www.waynetownship.org