No more walk-ins for Macon heat assistance, appointments required

Organizers of Bibb County's low income heating assistance program want to eliminate the long lines of people waiting overnight in the cold to file applications.

Beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, all applicants must call 207-6380 for an appointment for one of three registration dates this month.

"That will allow them to get a designated time slot to come to St. Paul A.M.E. Church on 2501 Shurling Drive," said Lonnie Miley, president of the Macon-Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council

To be eligible in the first round, all residents of a household must be at least 65 years old, be homebound or have a life-threatening health condition validated by a medical statement.

Those who are homebound must set up an appointment for a home screening.

"They definitely have to be homebound," Miley said. "It's not going to be for people who just don't want to get out, but those who are unable to get out."

No applications from disabled people will be accepted in December and Bibb County sheriff's Capt. Eric Woodford said there will be no exceptions.

"We really want people to understand that there will be no walk-ups taken. It will be strictly done through the call-in system through confirmation," Woodford said. "Any walk-ups, or anyone that's disabled that's not on the list unfortunately will not be accepted on that day."

Miley said those who meet income requirements could receive up to $350 toward their power or natural gas bill.

"We don't pay both. It's going to be one or the other that we will pay," he said.

The income criteria is the same as in past years. Residents must have a yearly household income less than or equal to 60% of the state median income.

For a one-person household, that is $21,356. In households of four people, the cap is $41,069.

A copy of the most recent energy bill, or statement of service from a utility, must be presented along with proof of household income over the past 30 days.

A valid driver's license or government I.D., and a valid Social Security card or printout for all household members is also necessary to complete an application.

"This process that we're undertaking this year we hope will make the process easier and certainly to eliminate the standing outside all through the night," Miley said.

If funds are still available, the program will be opened up to others in January.

To contact writer Liz Fabian, call 744-4303 and follow her on Twitter@liz_lines.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 10:48 AM with the headline "No more walk-ins for Macon heat assistance, appointments required ."