Record-breaking cold across the East is driving heating costs higher and putting pressure on residents and property teams alike.. Meanwhile, in our headquarters in Utah, we’re still scanning the mountains for snow (we’re not bitter). But across the country, winter is arriving with the same harsh reality:
Staying warm isn’t optional. But it’s becoming unaffordable. And when residents can’t afford it, property teams feel the impact immediately.
One in five Americans reported they can’t afford to fully pay their heating bill this winter. And while that’s a household hardship, it’s also something property teams feel firsthand.
Because when heat gets shut off, it doesn’t just impact one unit; it impacts the entire community. Disconnections create resident distress, operational disruption, maintenance emergencies, and avoidable turnover. No property wants to be managing frozen pipes or frantic calls in the middle of February when proactive support could have prevented it.
The good news is that help exists. In many cases, the difference between a shut-off notice and a stable winter is simply knowing where to look.
Below are trusted heating and utility assistance resources that property teams can share with residents this winter.
Start Here: Federal Programs Available in Every State
Before diving into local programs, these two national resources are the best foundation.
LIHEAP — Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial assistance to qualifying households to help cover heating and cooling bills, prevent shut-offs, and support emergency needs.
Learn more about LIHEAP or find your state LIHEAP office.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps households reduce energy costs through efficiency upgrades like insulation, sealing, and heating system improvements.
Here’s the program overview.
State-by-State Heating Assistance (Click Your State)
Each state administers its own heating assistance program. Residents can apply through the appropriate agency below:
Beyond LIHEAP: Shut-Off Protections + Emergency Utility Funds
Heating assistance isn’t only about long-term bill support. Heating assistance is often about preventing a shut-off before it becomes an emergency.
Many states enforce seasonal shut-off protections, and many communities offer nonprofit emergency funds that can step in quickly when residents are facing immediate hardship.
Utility Shut-Off Protections
Rules vary widely by state, but most protections apply during extreme cold or for vulnerable households.
State-by-state disconnection protections (National Consumer Law Center) can be seen through this list.
Nonprofit Emergency Utility Funds (Fast Help)
Nonprofits are often the quickest option for residents who don’t qualify for LIHEAP, need crisis support immediately, or have received a shut-off notice.
National Resources
- Salvation Army Utility Assistance
- Catholic Charities Local Help Finder
- United Way 211 (Search by ZIP code)
- Dollar Energy Fund (Emergency utility grants)
Regional Standouts
- Operation Fuel (Connecticut)
https://operationfuel.org/ - Energy Outreach Colorado
https://energyoutreach.org/ - THAW Fund (Michigan)
https://thawfund.org/ - Good Neighbor Energy Fund (New England)
https://www.magoodneighbor.org/
Best Practice
The best properties don’t wait until the shut-off notice arrives. Consider keeping a one-page “Winter Utility Help Sheet” that includes:
- Tips and tricks for reducing utility usage
- Your state LIHEAP link
- Local nonprofit emergency funds
- Utility provider payment plan numbers
- 211 referral information
That small step can prevent disconnections, protect buildings, and support residents when it matters most.
And if you need support identifying programs, managing disconnection risk, or helping residents stay ahead of utility challenges, we’re here to help.
Keeping the heat on protects residents, buildings, and operations. That’s why early support matters.
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