LIHEAP Infrastructure Supplement Block Grant Summary

The Ohio Department of Development received a $6.1 million Block Grant award (LIEI-2026) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services, under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, CFDA 93.568). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, supports infrastructure capacity-building and enhanced service delivery for low-income household energy assistance initiatives across Ohio. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to eligible low-income households to reduce financial burdens associated with home energy costs, including direct utility bill payment assistance, emergency energy crisis intervention, weatherization improvements, and minor energy-related home repairs designed to maintain safe and healthy living conditions.

The Ohio Department of Development is distributing funds through sub-awards to qualified nonprofit organizations and community-based service providers, including CHN Housing Partners and The Breathing Association, which deliver the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) services directly to Ohio residents. These sub-awardees provide critical support services such as emergency heating and cooling assistance, energy bill payment assistance, weatherization services, and housing-related support to vulnerable populations across the state. As a formula-based allocation under LIHEAP, this block grant requires annual compliance with federal assurances, public participation requirements, and Single Audit Act reporting in accordance with 2 CFR Part 200.