Programs
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program provides income-eligible Akron and Summit County residents with cooling assistance during the summer months. The program, administered by Community Action Akron Summit locally, runs from July 1, 2026, until September 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Community Action serves income-eligible households in Summit who are at or below 175% of the federal poverty guideline. Residents who qualify can get assistance paying an electric bill or receiving an air conditioner or fan.
To apply for the program, residents must schedule an appointment with Community Action staff. Residents must schedule an appointment with Community Action by calling 330-436-0261, Monday-Friday starting at 8 a.m., or scheduling online at capappointments.com.
Available appointments tend to fill quickly. Please follow the prompts, listen carefully to the instructions, and write down the confirmation number. Make sure you pay special attention to whether the appointment will take place in person or over the phone.
Applicants must have copies of the following documents for their appointments:
- List of all household members and proof of income for the last 30 days or 12 months for each member (find a list of possible proof of income documentation at ca-akron.org/news)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency for all household members
- Social security cards and birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of disability, if applicable
- Physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member's health (if there isn't a household member over the age of 60)
- Lease or landlord name, with address, telephone number and monthly rent amount
- If utility services are off, need to be transferred or a new account is being established, you must contact the utility company for new account numbers
PIPP is an extended payment arrangement that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the monthly household income.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) | Development (ohio.gov)
For your convenience, you may complete the Energy Assistance Application on-line by following through the online portal below.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, income-eligible Summit County residents may call the HEAP appointment line at 330-436-0261 or schedule appointment online at app.capappointments.com
You may also drop off or mail the completed application and all required documentation at:
Community Action Akron Summit
670 W. Exchange Street
Akron, Ohio 44302