Appleton City, MO — West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (“West Central”) remains committed to delivering vital energy assistance services to families in need through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), despite the recent layoff of all federal LIHEAP staff.
While this federal staffing change has caused concern, funding for LIHEAP remains secured through September 30, 2025. West Central is actively monitoring federal developments and preparing for any future changes to ensure continuity of services throughout its nine-county region.
LIHEAP is a critical support program helping income-eligible families afford essential heating and cooling services. West Central administers two primary components:
- Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) – provides emergency utility assistance for households facing disconnection.
- Energy Assistance (EA) – offers a one-time payment to assist with winter heating costs.
“LIHEAP plays a critical role in supporting our community—especially seniors and families—by helping them manage the cost of essential utility services,” said Kimber Thomas, Community Services Director. “This year we’ve processed nearly 5,000 applications, with numbers increasing daily. Many of our clients are elderly or disabled. They rely on this assistance to keep their lights on, their homes warm, and their families safe. Utilities aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.”
One LIHEAP client shared the program’s impact on her daily life: “LIHEAP gives me peace of mind. Without it, I would often have to choose between paying my light bill or buying groceries. It helps me feel secure knowing I can keep the lights on and still put food on the table.”
Nationally, the program continues to make a substantial difference. According to the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), LIHEAP prevented or reversed 2.75 million utility shutoffs in 2023 and lifted 34,000 children and 68,000 older adults out of poverty.
LIHEAP not only stabilizes households—it also supports local economies.
“The relationship we’ve built with West Central has streamlined communication and referrals, helping speed up the process for members to get the assistance they need—whether that’s avoiding disconnection or getting reconnected quickly,” said Tonja Hawks of Osage Valley Electric Cooperative. “Our members truly value the support received through LIHEAP.”
How to Apply
Residents can apply for 2025 assistance online at https://wcmcaa.org/ea/, or in person at the Central Office located at 112 West 4th Street in Appleton City.
Applications are also available through the Mobile Action Center (MAC), which travels throughout the region. View the MAC schedule here: https://wcmcaa.org/mac-schedule/
Applicants may also:
- Text: 660-466-2134
- Email: energyhelp@wcmcaa.org
- Call: 660-476-2185 (Option 1 for Energy Assistance, Option 6 for other needs)
Please include full name, address, county of residence, utility provider, and a brief explanation of the assistance needed. Staff will respond within 1–2 business days. West Central offices are open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
About West Central Missouri Community Action Agency
West Central has served Missouri’s west central region since 1965, working to help people and communities reach their fullest potential. The agency provides a wide range of services to over 10,500 individuals annually, including housing, energy conservation, employment support, transportation, and credit building.
Through its community development corporation, New Growth, West Central also offers entrepreneurship and small business support, including the New Growth Women’s Business Center and the Start Here business acceleration network. New Growth Transit, the agency’s volunteer driver network, provides free transportation for employment, healthcare, and daily needs.
West Central’s primary service area includes Cass, Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, Morgan, St. Clair, and Vernon counties, with program expansion into surrounding areas in Missouri and Kansas.
Learn more at: https://wcmcaa.org
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