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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES ENERGY ASSISTANCE

11/13 VOLUME IX, CHAPTER G, PAGE 11

e. Payment for Emergency Shelter (Code G)

Emergency shelter is defined as a housing unit, such as a hotel/motel or a shelter administered by a non-profit agency that is used to shelter individuals or families on a temporary basis. Emergency shelter will be provided as a last resort when there is no other way to provide assistance.

1) A household is eligible for this type of assistance provided that:

a) there is no source of heat in the home; and

b) the predicted temperature warrants heat (use LDSS discretion); and

c) friends, family, etc. cannot temporarily house the applicant household.

2) Assistance can be received only once per program year.

3) Agencies should identify specific providers (such as emergency shelter programs or hotels) and negotiate costs prior to implementation.

Authorize the per diem charged by the provider, times the number of days that shelter will be provided not to exceed $200.

f. Purchase of a Space Heater for Temporary Use (Code F)

A space heater is defined as a portable freestanding (electric, ceramic, quartz or kerosene) heater. The space heater will become the property of the recipient; but is only a temporary solution to prevent or alleviate an energy emergency while waiting on repair or installation of a heating system. A space heater of this type should only be purchased if there is no heat in the house. Agencies should discuss liability with their legal counsel relative to this type of assistance.

The assistance can be provided when the following conditions exist:

1) A space heater has not been received during the current program year.

2) The space heater must be U/L approved.

3) The predicted temperature warrants heat (use LDSS discretion).

TRANSMITTAL # 13-1