Durham, NC — As temperatures soar, surviving the heat can be difficult for the elderly, people with disabilities, and families in need.  When extreme temperatures impact vulnerable residents of Durham, the Durham County Department of Social Services (DSS) provides resources to keep residents cool. 

Durham County’s Crisis Intervention Program is one of several funding resources available to help residents with heating and cooling needs.   Qualified recipients are at or below 150% of the poverty level.  The household income for a family of three cannot be more than $2,289 a month.  Families approved for Crisis Intervention Program funding can receive up to $600 a year.

“Since April, we have been flooded with requests for funding to help those without a way to stay cool at home,” said Wilda Carter-Neville, social work supervisor for the Durham County Department of Social Services. “With these last couple of weeks and coming weeks being so hot, we are anticipating more requests.”

To fund the Crisis Intervention Program, Durham County DSS receives monies from the State of North Carolina.  For fiscal year 2009-2010, Durham County DSS received an allocation of $1.1 million that was used to cool 1,851 households and heat 3,783 households.  Due to the high demand for funding assistance, Crisis Intervention Program monies were exhausted on May 28 and are no longer available until an anticipated allocation is given by the State of North Carolina in July 2010. 

On June 21, Durham County DSS began to tap into $10,610 of funding received from Duke Energy to assist with cooling.  Applicants can receive up to $200 a year through the Duke Energy assistance program.  Recipients of Duke Energy funds must follow strict guidelines which include explanation of how they spend 85% of their total household income.  Additionally, families must understand that funding cannot be used to pay deposits for utility services. 

Durham County DSS also helps families pay electric bills under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families’ (TANF) Emergency Assistance Program.  To receive this funding, a family must have children in the household under the age of 18, and be at or below 200% of the poverty level.  For example, a family of three cannot have a total household income more than $3,052.00 a month.

“When necessary, we refer those in need to our community partners that also provide heating and cooling assistance and support.”

For more information about Durham County DSS’ Crisis Intervention Program and TANF Emergency Assistance Program, families should call 919-560-8000.   Adults that need assistance with heating and cooling can also call the DSS’ Division of Adult Access at 919-560-8600.  Residents that would like to donate to Durham County DSS’ assistance program can send contributions to the Durham County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 810, Durham, NC 27701.