Page 44

Tennessee Housing Development Agency 2025 LIHEAP Policy Manual for Regular and Crisis Assistance 43

account. Assistance is based on household size, income, and energy burden.  Crisis Assistance: Similar to Regular Assistance, but this component addresses uncontrollable circumstances such as disconnections or emergency situations. Eligibility for crisis assistance should be confirmed with the local LIHEAP agency. o What does LIHEAP help pay? LIHEAP can help supplement the costs of primary heating or cooling bills, which include utilities such as electric, gas, propane, coal, oil, kerosene, and wood. The goal is to ensure eligible households stay safe and healthy year- round. 4.3 Subgrantee Outreach Each LIHEAP Subgrantee is required to detail their outreach activities in the annual Operational Plan. One key factor in creating an effective outreach program is identifying and coordinating with other agencies, organizations, and groups that can assist in outreach efforts. Collaboration with these groups can increase reach and effectiveness. Some potential partners for outreach activities include: • Libraries (e.g., librarian staff and potential intake date setup) • Health Departments (e.g., staff meetings) • Department of Human Services (e.g., local county offices and health fairs) • Senior Citizen Centers (e.g., county office meetings) • Public Housing Authorities (e.g., presentations at staff meetings) • Continuum of Care meetings (e.g., monthly presentations) • Utility Offices (e.g., vendor contact) • Domestic/Sexual Victim Service Agencies (e.g., local advocates) • Courthouses (e.g., clerk's office interactions) • Sheriff's Departments (e.g., roll-calls and in-service training) • City Police (e.g., roll-call and in-service training) • Landlords (e.g., outreach through rental properties) • School Systems (e.g., in-service, registration events, or open houses) • Churches (e.g., Sunday announcements or Wednesday presentations) • Career Fairs (e.g., booth setup for intake or volunteer recruitment) • Employment Temp Offices (e.g., outreach to job-seekers) • Hospitals (e.g., monthly meetings or collaboration with social workers) • Department of Children Services (e.g., staff meetings and parenting groups) • Attorney Offices • Family Justice Centers (e.g., board meetings) • Crisis Pregnancy Centers (both faith-based and secular)