MACON, Ga. — The Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) is now accepting applications for senior citizens needing help with their energy bills. It started at the beginning of November and will begin opening applications for the general public in December.
"We have an array of services, anywhere from housing to employment to nutrition to prescriptions -- if you can't pay for your prescriptions, we can definitely help with that," said President of the Macon-Bibb County EOC Sarita Hill.
Hill says people in the county can receive up to $500 in credit on their bills. With almost $900,000 in funding, the program can serve nearly 1,800 people in the county. She says those who have applied are grateful for the program.
"This program has been a lifesaver for one of my siblings, actually," said Lillian Mosley.
Mosley told 13WMAZ her sister Willie Mae was in treatment for breast cancer and could not pay for her heating bill. She told her sister about the program EOC was doing and applied.
"Her bill normally runs about $150 a month. Through this program, it helped her be able to pay her bill for the next 8 months," Mosley said.
To apply for the November application, you need to be over 65, proof of ID, Social Security, and an insurance card. December 1, you don't need to be 65 and over.
However, EOC isn't the only organization helping low-income families. The Middle Georgia Community Action Agency has an assistance program that helps to find ways to reduce the cost of their bills and ways to save energy in their home. The program is through the 'Weatherization' program. Hill says they've received over 1,000 appointments since the start of November.
"We do know the Biden administration have released more funding, I think over 400 million more into the program, so we're hoping we get that and be able to serve more people," Hill said.
You can call or go online to schedule an appointment with the EOC.