Free event connecting residents to assistance programs and financial planning workshops

Cleveland, OH – Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services (CJFS) and local organizations will host a utilities resource fair providing Cuyahoga County residents access to utilities assistance programs including Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Percentage of Income Program (PIPP) and Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). The event will be held 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Collinwood Recreation Center located at 16300 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio 44110.  Click here to download the flier.

“It’s critical to be able to provide our residents access to utility assistance programs to help them make it through the winter season”, said County Executive Budish. “It’s even more important to be able to provide individual counseling that will address longer term issues like financial literacy and healthcare.”

For the first time, the fair will feature free financial planning workshops provided by Community Financial Centers – a partner with Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, designed to help residents improve their personal finances and chart a course for a successful future. Experts will be on-hand to offer financial literacy tips and counseling.

Cuyahoga Health Access Partnership (CHAP) will provide information about the Affordable Care Act 2016 Open Enrollment Period slated for November 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016 and schedule future appointments.

The Cuyahoga County Department of Consumers Affairs will be on hand to provide consumer protection information that will help residents understand protection laws, ways to avoid unfair sales tactics and scams, and opportunities to shore up finances to support financial security.

“This is a great one-stop opportunity for consumers to learn how to stretch and protect their dollars”, said Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs Director, Sheryl Harris.

Required documentation for program assistance enrollment will include: current photo identification, social security numbers, proof of income, proof of residency and recent utility bill. For more information call 216.987.7010 or visit http://cjfs.cuyahogacounty.us/.