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Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 42

Chapter 4 – Outreach 4.1 Outreach General Information Outreach is the process by which information about LIHEAP is made accessible to the public. As outlined in the LIHEAP statute under Assurance 3, the outreach effort should be designed to ensure that eligible households, particularly those with elderly or disabled individuals, or both, as well as households with high home energy burdens, are informed about the assistance available under the program. In practice, outreach refers to the various activities that LIHEAP state and local providers engage in to promote program awareness and increase enrollment. These activities aim to reach and enroll households that are eligible for LIHEAP assistance. Outreach efforts can also include targeted activities designed to reach specific populations. For instance, a LIHEAP office may choose to prioritize outreach to elderly households, lower-income households, or recipients of public assistance, ensuring that these groups are effectively informed about the available services. Outreach may also assist clients in completing their applications for assistance. Effective outreach not only ensures that the neediest households—including the elderly and disabled—are aware of the LIHEAP program but also informs them about other energy- related programs they may be eligible for, such as the Weatherization Assistance Program or utility-funded rate assistance. Well-executed outreach can streamline both the application and enrollment processes, ultimately increasing program accessibility and efficiency.

4.2 Outreach Categories and Definitions • Community Education o What is LIHEAP? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded grant program that helps supplement eligible households home energy needs. The program helps households maintain a safe and comfortable living environment by reducing the risk of health and safety issues caused by unsafe heating and cooling practices, especially during the winter and summer months. o What type of assistance is available?  Regular Assistance: This benefit helps families supplement their heating or cooling bills. The one-time payment is sent directly to the utility company or fuel provider and is credited to the household’s