NATASHA WINKLER
As the coldest months of winter approach, the Grand Chute Gazette is spotlighting a critical, statewide effort to ensure our American heroes stay safe and warm: the Heat and Housing for Heroes campaign.
Recognizing that many veterans, especially those with service-related disabilities, face life-threatening emergencies due to rising energy costs, this charitable initiative steps in to provide a critical safety survival net. Pride often makes it difficult for veterans to ask for help, but this campaign is uniquely designed to assist those struggling with energy-related crisis situations.
Assistance Provided
The Heat and Housing for Heroes Campaign helps veterans alleviate energy-related emergencies through energy assistance grants. Assistance is available whether a veteran is facing a life-threatening emergency (like being out of fuel, a broken furnace, or disconnection of services) or has simply fallen behind on utility bills.
The grants are provided with the support of the Wisconsin Home Energy Plus (HE+) and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This collaboration helps struggling veterans keep their heat and power on.
2 Easy Steps to Get Help
The process for a veteran in need begins with the state-run WHEAP application:
- Apply for WHEAP First: A completed WHEAP application must be on file for a Heat for Heroes representative to assist. WHEAP is a state-run program that provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, potential crisis assistance, and furnace repair or replacement.
- You may be immediately eligible to receive WHEAP energy assistance.
- You can apply for WHEAP online at https://energybenefit.wi.gov.
- Contact Heat and Housing for Heroes: If you have completed your WHEAP application and are in need of additional or supplemental crisis assistance, contact a representative IMMEDIATELY.
- Call 1-800-891-9276.
- Visit their website at www.heat4heroes.org.
- A representative will typically contact you within 24 business hours.
The overall program is available during the heating season, which runs annually from October 1 to May 15.
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