MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Winter Crisis Program (WCP), which provides emergency heating assistance to income-eligible residents, is now underway and will run through March 31, 2026. The program serves residents in Crawford, Marion, and Morrow counties, according to the Ohio Head Start Community Action Commission (OHCAC).
The WCP provides assistance to households facing utility disconnection, those already disconnected, or those with less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel. To qualify, applicants must meet income-eligibility requirements.
Income-eligible applicants must schedule their 2025–2026 WCP appointment by calling the automated hotline at 740-396-8237 or by visiting capappointments.com. OHCAC advises that call volume may be high during peak periods, as the scheduling system serves all three counties.
One-Appointment Limit
OHCAC is advising customers to be aware of a critical rule: customers are eligible for only one appointment hold on their utility services during the entire WCP season.
If a customer misses their scheduled appointment and reschedules, the hold on service disconnection will not be extended, and disconnection may occur.
Appointments can be conducted either in person or through a phone interview.
The OHCAC offices will be closed on Dec. 12 at 11 a.m., Dec. 24, 25 and 31, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026. Applicants are urged to contact OHCAC directly for full program requirements and eligibility details.