Residents who need help paying their winter heating bills will have the opportunity to get some much-needed help next month.

Crenshaw County is set to share in a seven-county, $2.3 million grant awarded to the Orga-nized Com-munity Action Program, which funds some 300 local households.

The funding was announced recently by Gov. Robert Bentley, and is part of a $39.3 million award to 22 community action agencies to help them provide temporary assistance with electric and gas bills.

Priority is given to the elderly, people with disabilities and families with young children.

“Paying for high home heating bills during the winter can be a significant challenge for low-income families or elderly residents living on extremely limited budgets,” Bentley said. “This funding is intended to assist those with the greatest need.”

Locally, residents can make an appointment with the local OCAP office beginning at 8 a.m. on Jan. 6 at the Rutledge office.

“Appointments are made on a first come, first serve basis until all appointments are issued,” said Joann Joyner of OCAP. “Only one appointment per call will be given.”

Joyner said that residents’ utility bills must be in their names in order to make application, and no walk-ins will be taken.

“Everything is income qualified,” she said. “It’s based on your income and the household sizes. These funds are allocated for the heating once a year in the winter. It’s a supplement that will assist low-income residents.”

To make an appointment, call 335-3910