11 Timely and Meaningful Public Participation, , 2605(b)(12) - Assurance 12, 2605(c)(2)

11.1 How did you obtain input from the public in the development of your LIHEAP plan? Select all that apply. Note: Tribes do not need to hold a public hearing but must ensure participation through other means. Tribal Council meeting(s) Public Hearing(s) Draft Plan posted to website and available for comment Hard copy of plan is available for public view and comment Comments from applicants are recorded Request for comments on draft Plan is advertised Stakeholder consultation meeting(s) Comments are solicited during outreach activities Other - Describe: May 2025: A draft summary of the FFY 2026 State Plan was distributed a few days prior to the May 2025 monthly LIHEAP managers meeting and we encouraged managers to share feedback about the proposed plan. We let them know about the hearing date and how to give or submit formal testimony. June 2025 - Reminded LIHEAP managers at the June LIHEAP managers meeting to share any feedback they have about the FFY 2026 proposed plan. Also, reminded them of the hearing date (July 29) and explained again how to give or submit formal testimony at the hearing. July 2025: Sent notice to stakeholders with a summary of the proposed plan and an invitation to the public hearing. The stakeholders included the directors of the Community Action Agencies and advocacy organizations. A notice of the public hearing with the draft of the state plan was posted on the DHS website in July 2025. The public hearing was held on July 29, 2025 Public Hearings, 2605(a)(2) - For States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Only 11.2 List the date and location(s) that you held public hearing(s) on the proposed use and distribution of your LIHEAP funds? Date Event Description 1 07/29/2025 Public Hearing for FFY 2026 LIHEAP State Plan held at Rhode Island Department of Human Services at 25 Howard Ave, Cranston, RI at 10:00 AM. This location has parking and is on a busline. 11.3. How many parties commented on your plan at the hearing(s)? 0 11.4 Summarize the comments you received at the hearing(s). We did not receive any comments at the Public Hearing. One attendee came to listen and did not want to give testimony. 11.5 What changes did you make to your LIHEAP plan as a result of public participation and solicitation of input? There was no testimony given at the public hearing. There were no comments throughout the public participation process. No changes were made to the LIHEAP FFY 2026 Model Plan as a result. If any of the above questions require further explanation or clarification that could not be made in the fields provided, attach a document with said explanation here.