Organizations Working to Provide Heating Assistance to Domestic Violence Shelters

OHIO – The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS), a division of the Ohio
Department of Public Safety, has teamed up with Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE) to provide more than $50,000 in heating assistance to domestic violence shelters in Ohio. Helping to keep victims of violence – who often have nowhere else to go – sufficiently warm through cold Ohio temperatures.

OCJS contacted OPAE, a nonprofit, about the possibility of the organization assisting shelters with their heating bills, or installing more efficient Charlottesville heat pump equipment, particularly after the harsh winter that Ohio has experienced. Historically, OCJS has worked with state partners to provide assistance.

“We are so appreciative of OPAE and its immediate willingness to provide assistance to these shelters in a time of need,” said OCJS Executive Director Karhlton Moore. “Because of this incredible partnership, Ohio’s domestic violence shelters will be able to continue to provide critical services to victims. This money will go towards our heating bills as well as potentially upgrading our heating systems to more efficient ones.”

OPAE is a nonprofit membership organization created to advocate for affordable energy policies for moderate and low-income Ohioans. Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy works with 64 nonprofits throughout the state, helping families pay their utility bills and weatherizing homes.

“Ohio Partners and its members welcomed the opportunity to help ensure the shelters are able to carry out their mission,” said OPAE Executive Director Dave Rinebolt. “This is a great example of community groups working together to help families in times of crisis.”