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WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income people pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants and crisis grants; and
WHEREAS, the assistance is in the form of a grant that does not have to be repaid and individuals are eligible for the program regardless of whether they are behind or current on heating bill payments; and
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2009, Western Pennsylvania's three natural gas companies, Columbia Gas of PA, Dominion Peoples and Equitable Gas held a kick off event with Franco Harris to promote the first date of the year for LIHEAP applications to be accepted; and
WHEREAS, the kick off event brought together more than 100 representatives from numerous social service agencies in the region to discuss ways to increase participation in the program so that more people will be able to stay safe and warm during the winter months.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby recognizes and commends the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helping people in need and urges eligible Pittsburgh residents to apply for the program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares November 5, 2009 "LIHEAP Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.