Cleveland (October 2025) – For thousands of Cuyahoga County families, one missed bill could mean a cold home this winter. Step Forward, now the county’s sole provider of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), is stepping up to meet a record level of need. Beginning November 1, 2025, the agency’s Winter Crisis Program will once again help residents facing disconnection or running low on fuel keep their homes safe and warm.
The Winter Crisis Program assists two types of residents: those who are income-eligible and have no notice or threat of disconnection and income-eligible residents threatened with disconnection, have already been disconnected, or have less than a 25% supply of bulk fuel in their tank. Income-eligible residents’ households must have a gross income at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines – for example, $52,500 annually for a family of four – to qualify.
“We continue to see a significant need for energy assistance in Cuyahoga County and across the nation,” said Dr. Jacklyn Chisholm, Step Forward’s President and CEO. “Step Forward stands ready to support our community and meet the increased need this winter. Rising costs have strained many families, and programs like this help keep homes warm and stable.”
Residents in disconnection, with a threatened disconnection, and those who meet the criteria for bulk fuel must schedule an appointment by calling (216) 480-HEAP or online at stepforward.itfrontdesk.com. Phone appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. After scheduling, clients should complete an online application at energyhelp.ohio.gov and be prepared to provide all required documentation. Step Forward staff will provide detailed instructions for submitting materials during the phone interview.
To best serve the community and meet the high number of people in need this winter, a limited number of walk-in appointments are available Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at 1801 Superior Avenue, Suite 400, and 2203 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114. Residents seeking same-day service should bring all required documents and paperwork with them.
All other residents may apply online or mail their application to the State of Ohio by applying online at www.energyhelp.ohio.gov or download a copy of the application and mail it to: Energy Assistance Programs, P.Os. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 43216.
To find a list of required documentation, or to learn more about Step Forward’s energy assistance programs, please visit https://www.stepforwardtoday.org/energy-assistance-programs.