(AUSTIN) — The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) today announced that it has contracted with the Seguin-based Community Council of South Central Texas to temporarily administer an energy assistance program critical to low income residents in Edwards, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala counties.

This action ensures eligible households will continue to receive help in meeting their energy needs through TDHCA’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The program helps low income Texans pay a portion of their utility bills while providing them consumer education regarding how to better manage their energy consumption for a healthy, affordable environment.

TDHCA previously contracted with the Community Council of Southwest Texas to provide CEAP services to this six-county region; however, that agency’s board last month voted to relinquish its contract, leaving TDHCA with no local service provider. TDHCA’s action today restores this much-needed utility assistance program to area residents while it works to identify a permanent service provider.

“The Department is extremely pleased to partner with the Community Council of South Central Texas and keep this important service available just as summer’s heat arrives,” said TDHCA Executive Director Tim Irvine. “Their staff has the experience and know-how to administer complex federal programs, and we are confident it will help make this a seamless transition until we can secure a long-term replacement agency.”

The Community Council of South Central Texas is a nonprofit organization currently administrating CEAP in Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson counties. The organization also provides a wide range of services through a separate contract with TDHCA that help prevent poverty and promote self-sufficiency in these same 11 counties.

To qualify for CEAP assistance, households must earn no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines which, for a family of four, equals an annual income of $28,813. Until a permanent replacement agency is announced, residents should contact the Community Council of South Central Texas directly at (830) 303-4376 for information regarding eligibility and assistance.