Cold Weather and Utility Help for Older Adults and Seniors
Below are cold weather and utility programs for older adults and seniors in Greater Cleveland, Akron, and Northeast Ohio. If you know of additional services or places that should be added, send your suggestions to [email protected].
Find more 55+ resources at our Thrive Directory.
If you or someone you know is experiencing power or heating issues during extremely cold weather, several resources are available to help:
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Helping eligible, low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. HEAP pays a one-time payment for most PUCO-regulated utility customers reflecting their usage for the current winter heating season.
800-282-0880
puco.ohio.gov/utilities/gas/resources/home-energy-assistance-program
Warming Centers: Senior centers and recreation centers across Cuyahoga County serve as warming centers. These facilities provide a safe and warm environment. For a full list of locations and hours of operation, please visit the Interactive Warming Centers Map on their Extreme Winter Weather Resource Page.
Overnight Shelter: If you need overnight shelter, call 2-1-1 to be connected with available options in the area.
Cold Weather Tips and Safety Information: For additional tips on staying safe during extreme cold, including guidance on keeping homes warm and preventing cold-related health issues, visit our Extreme Cold Weather Resource Page.
The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management works to prepare residents for winter storms and other local emergencies through its mass notification system, ReadyNotify. County residents are encouraged to sign up for this free service.
Register for Ready Notify: DSAS is available to assist older adults, caregivers and adults with disabilities in need of resources. There are programs and services to aid with winter utility bills, skilled in-home care and fall assessments. For more information call 216-42-6700, or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us.
