The Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross will begin accepting applications Monday for its utility assistance program, Project Share.

County chapter executive director Merrill Davis said the program is designed to help disabled and senior citizen households with low-to-moderate income meet the rising cost of utilities.

“It is a program designed to provide assistance to individuals age 65 or older, or those on disability with their heating and cooling bills each year,” Davis said. “During the summer, Project Share is available to those who qualify. It does not, however, provide for the purchase of fans, air conditioning units, or other cooling appliances.”

Davis said Project Share is strictly to provide for payment assistance to the utility company.

In order to qualify for Project Share, individuals or families must meet not only age or disability requirements, but also financial requirements. Applicants must provide proof of income and Social Security cards for everyone in the household.

“The application includes a monthly expense sheet to help assess need for potentially qualifying individuals and families,” Davis said. “In addition, the summer program requires a medical need signed by a health care professional stating the need for cooling.”

Applications will be available beginning Mon., June 28, at various locations throughout the county including:

• the Red Cross office at 234 Hillcrest Drive in Andalusia;

• the Florala Senior Center; and

• he Opp Senior Center.

Once an application is picked up, an appointment may be made with the Red Cross to speak with a Project SHARE caseworker. Appointments can be made starting June 28th. Funds are limited, Davis said.

Appointments will begin on Mon., July 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the local Red Cross office.

For more information, contact the American Red Cross at 334-428-2680.