Latest news with #LydiaMihalik
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Summer Crisis Program offers cooling help for Ohio households
The Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission is offering assistance to help families stay cool during the summer months. The Summer Crisis Program, running through Sept. 30, provides aid in paying electric bills, obtaining air conditioners or fans and repairing central air conditioning units, according to an announement. The program targets low-income households, those with disconnection notices, and homes with residents over 60 or with medical conditions requiring cooling assistance. Qualifying conditions include lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. To qualify, households must have a gross income at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for up to eight members, and 60% of the state median income for nine or more members. For a family of four, the annual income must be at or below $56,262.50. Last year, the program assisted over 44,000 households in Ohio, providing $13.5 million in benefits. A new online portal at aims to streamline the application process. Residents must register for an OHID account to access their HEAP account. 'We know that when someone is facing a crisis, every minute counts,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program. 'This new online system makes it faster and easier for Ohioans to apply for help − so they can get the support they need, when they need it most.' To apply, schedule an appointment with OHCAC by calling 419-928-3236 or, using Google Chrome, go to and schedule online. Clients need to bring copies of their most recent energy bills, a list of all household members, proof of income, U.S. citizenship or legal residency, proof of disability (if applicable), physician documentation for cooling assistance, and a disconnect notice (if applicable). Residents enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP) program will not be eligible to receive a monetary benefit this year. However, they could be eligible to receive an air conditioner and/or fan if one was not received in 2022, 2023 or 2024. For more information, contact OHCAC at 419-928-3236 or visit This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Ohio families can get help with AC, fans and electric bills now
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Niles receives grant for zoning updates
NILES, Ohio (WKBN) – The City of Niles is among several communities across Ohio receiving state grants to help 'modernize outdated zoning regulations.' Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Development announced a total of $1.5 million in grants to assist with these efforts and pave the way for new housing development. The funding comes from the new Housing Technical Assistance Program. The City of Niles is receiving $50,000 and was the only local community on the list. 'Zoning regulations can shape the future of a community — for better or worse,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, in a statement. 'By helping our local partners modernize these policies, we're giving them the tools to attract investment, remove barriers to housing, and support long-term growth that fits the needs of their residents.' Funding can be used for contracting services or internal planning work to update comprehensive plans or zoning codes. Other eligible expenses included public meeting costs, administrative support and fees associated with zoning revisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local schools awarded $1.3M energy efficiency grant
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — The East Palestine City School District will receive a significant piece of a statewide grant aimed at supporting energy efficiency. Read next: Ohio primary election: What's on the ballot, and where can I vote? The Ohio Department of Development announced nearly $8.5 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state. Locally, the East Palestine City School District will receive $1,363,533. The funds will go toward upgrading building automation systems and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school and board of education buildings. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 72.5%. The funding comes from the third round of the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and educational institutions complete projects designed to reduce energy usage and associated costs. 'When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters — serving their communities,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans.' All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15% in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
$1.2 million grant to help get housing for people recovering from substance abuse in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development will be helping over 1,000 people in Ohio who are recovering from substance abuse get safe and stable housing. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Community Development Block Grant is going to be supporting 11 mental health boards across Ohio. The Recovery Housing Program gives people with incomes at or below 50 percent of the area median income rental subsidies. TRENDING STORIES: UPDATE: 2nd tornado confirmed in area county Driver drops doughnut, causes multi-car crash in Ohio Teen in critical condition after being shot multiple times in Dayton This gives transitional housing options for residents looking to establish stability. 'Recovery doesn't happen overnight, and no one should have to take that journey alone,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. 'These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.' Clermont, Cuyahoga, Hancock, Lake, Logan, Champaign, Lucas, Mahoning Trumbull, Union and Montgomery County are all receiving a portion of the funds along with the Paint Valley ADAMH region. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Funding will help local residents in recovery afford housing
(WKBN) – Local boards will be getting funding to help people recover from substance abuse and get safe, stable housing. Trumbull County is getting $284,426 to provide rent stipends for up to 200 residents, which will support them through their first year in recovery housing. This is through contracts with eight certified providers. Mahoning County is getting $109,678 to help 121 people in recovery by providing safe, structured sober housing options. More than 1,000 Ohioans through 11 alcohol, drug addiction and mental health boards will be getting a total of $1.2 million in grants. 'Recovery doesn't happen overnight and no one should have to take that journey alone,' said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. 'These grants will ensure more Ohioans have the opportunity to reclaim their independence, rebuild their lives, and write a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.' The money is coming from the Community Development Block Grant Recovery Housing Program, which provides rental subsidies for low-income individuals in recovery. Funding for the Recovery Housing Program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
