Cold Weather and Utility Help for Older Adults and Seniors
Updated 12/13/2025
If you or someone you know is experiencing power or heating issues during extremely cold weather, several local resources are available to help. Below are cold weather and utility programs for older adults and seniors in Greater Cleveland, Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio:
Help with Food & Utilities (Cleveland)
Nutrition program services are available to persons aged 60+ and their spouses regardless of age. Priority is given to frail, homebound or isolated older adults and consumers.
Food services include home-delivered meals, congregate meals, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
Help with Utilities includes Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP), HEAP Winter Crisis prgram and Winter Reconnect Order (WRO), Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP), Home Weatherization Assistance, No-Heat Emergency Services, and Water & Sewer Affordability Program.
216-664-2000
Click HERE
Winter Home Energy Assistance (Summit County)
Community Action Akron Summit can help income-eligible Summit County residents stay warm during the cold months through the Home Energy Assistance Winter Crisis Program (HEAP Winter Crisis Program). Residents who qualify can get assistance paying energy bills or for eligible heating system repairs during winter.
330-436-0261
Click HERE
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
HWAP (Home Weatherization Assistance Program): Helps lower energy bills long-term by improving home energy efficiency (insulation, sealing). Ohioans participating in the HWAP will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Services are provided through local agencies in each county. Priority is given to Ohioans who are older than age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with a high energy usage and/or burden.
(800) 848-1300
Click HERE
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.
216-42-6700
Find Your Agency
Contact your local Community Action Agency (like Step Forward in Cuyahoga County) or the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for your county for application help.
If you know of additional services or places that should be added, send your suggestions to [email protected].
Find more valuable resources for people 55+ at our Thrive Directory.
