By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle.
OZARK — The Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) has announced it will begin accepting phone calls to schedule appointments for energy assistance starting Wednesday, Feb. 11. Calls will be accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and appointments are required to receive assistance. The office will not be open on this day, and the agency will only accept phone calls to schedule appointments.
Residents seeking help should call (334) 774-2011 to schedule an appointment. OCAP officials said appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Those applying for assistance should be prepared to bring to their appointment a current state-issued driver’s license or identification card, Social Security cards for every individual in the household, including children, proof of income for the previous month, such as check stubs, and a Department of Human Resources statement of benefits letter. To be certain, you should ask the agency which documents you should bring with you and make a checklist so you will not have to reschedule your appointment for a later date.
OCAP serves Dale County and several surrounding counties and provides a broad range of programs designed to assist low-income individuals and families with basic needs while promoting long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
One of OCAP’s primary services is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps eligible households with heating and cooling costs. The program is designed to prevent utility shutoffs and help families maintain safe living conditions during periods of extreme temperatures.
In addition to energy assistance, OCAP offers emergency assistance services for residents experiencing financial hardship. These services may include help with rent or mortgage payments to prevent eviction, emergency utility assistance, and limited aid for food or shelter during short-term crises.
OCAP also administers a weatherization assistance program, which focuses on improving the energy efficiency and safety of homes occupied by low-income residents, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities. Services may include insulation upgrades, sealing air leaks, and other improvements that help reduce energy usage and lower monthly utility bills.
Families with young children may benefit from OCAP’s Head Start program, which provides early childhood education, nutrition services, and health screenings for preschool-aged children. The program is designed to prepare children for success in school while supporting the overall well-being of their families.
The agency also operates family support and parenting initiatives aimed at strengthening families through education, guidance, and access to community resources. These programs encourage responsible parenting and help connect families with services that support long-term stability.
In addition, OCAP offers family budgeting and housing-related support services, including financial management education and assistance, housing counseling, and referrals to other local and regional assistance programs. When OCAP programs cannot fully meet a resident’s needs, staff members assist individuals and families by connecting them with additional community resources.
Dale County residents who are struggling with energy costs or other basic needs are encouraged to call (334) 774-2011 beginning Feb. 11 to schedule an appointment and learn more about the assistance available through OCAP.
OCAP is located at 397 Glenway Drive, Ozark, AL.
