Cleveland (June 2025) – As temperatures begin to rise, Step Forward Home Energy Assistance Program is preparing open applications for its Summer Cooling Program.
The Summer Cooling Program offers critical, emergency support to income-eligible Cuyahoga County residents by providing emergency assistance with electric bill payments or with a box fan. The Summer Cooling Program will run from July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025.
“When your power is about to be shut off, it’s more than an inconvenience. It’s an emergency,” Jackie Boehnlein, Step Forward’s Vice President of Community Services, said. “We talk to families every day who are doing their best but just can’t keep up. The Summer Cooling Program is here to help.”
The program provides a one-time benefit per cooling season to Cuyahoga County residents who are at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (at or below $52,500 for a family of four) and must meet at least one additional eligibility criteria:
- A household member who is age 60 or older
- A household member has a documented medical condition verified by a licensed medical professional who is qualified under Ohio law to write prescriptions
- A household’s electric utility has a disconnect notice, has been shut off, needs transferred or new electric service is being established for the household
To apply for the program, residents must schedule an appointment online at stepforward.itfrontdesk.com or by calling (216) 460-HEAP (4327). Scheduling is automated and available days, evenings, and weekends. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information about the features of the Summer Crisis Program and what is needed to apply, please visit stepforwardtoday.org/energy-assistance-programs.