KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) — Families in Kansas City are becoming more worried about the potential fate of an essential utility aid program.
Over 100 individuals registered for assistance.
Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council
on Wednesday morning, hoping to receive support through the
Low-Income Household Energy Aid Program
, also known as LIHEAP. The program supports millions of families across the country, including more than 130,000 households in Missouri last month alone, according to the
Mid-America Assistance Coalition
.
The future of LIHEAP is uncertain after President Donald Trump laid off the entire federal staff overseeing it. While local administrators say current funding will last through the end of the fiscal year, what happens after that is still unclear and demand is only growing.
I receive disability benefits, which means many individuals like me struggle financially these days,” stated Kansas City resident Harvey Hamilton. “Therefore, this assistance will be greatly beneficial for both the disabled community and our elderly.
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For the last four years, Hamilton has depended on LIHEAP. He mentions that without this program, he might be compelled to make tough decisions.
I would have to choose each month between purchasing medicine or paying the bills,” he stated. “That’s quite a difficult decision to make, but since I want to stay alive, I opt to buy the medication.
It’s a dilemma the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council sees every day. On Wednesday, representatives from
Evergy
,
Spire
, and
KC Water
were on site helping residents through the application process. Even so, at least 20 people had to be turned away after appointment slots filled up.
“I am genuinely concerned that a program which was already stretched thin in terms of resources will now face an increase in the number of individuals requiring assistance but unable to get it,” stated Alana Henry, who serves as the executive director of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council.
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She remarked, “I am worried about people who are without homes or living under conditions that pose significant risks due to extreme heat and severe cold.”
Kymira Randolph, who also lives in Kansas City, mentioned that recent budget reductions led to her losing her position at a nonprofit organization. Currently, she is relying on LIHEAP for assistance.
I’m experiencing significant anxiety,” Randolph stated. “Many individuals have been let go from their jobs, and numerous others are struggling immensely; thus, I believe these cutbacks will impact everyone.
Even with the present uncertainty, Henry expresses her belief that lawmakers might still intervene.
“I am optimistic that there will be some alterations at both the federal and state levels to ensure our vulnerable communities receive proper care,” she stated.
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The Mid-America Assistance Coalition informed KCTV5 that they will continue operating using their current federal funding until September 30th. Following this date, the future of both the program and the families reliant upon it remains uncertain.
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