BALTIMORE – (May 30, 2013) The Maryland Department of Human Resources is seeking public comment on the 2014 Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) State Plans. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program provides assistance with home heating bills. The State Plan outlines strategies to provide services to assist citizens to meet their increasing energy cost. The Integrity Plan outlines policies and procedures to identify and address fraud.
To prepare for the 2013-2014 program year, the Department will be conducting two public hearings to garner comment on its proposed state operational plan and its integrity plan. The proposed annual State Plans are also available for review on www.dhr.state.md.us/ohep. Public recommendations will be considered in developing the final program plan.
The two public hearings are scheduled in Baltimore City on June 18, 2013 at Govans – Northern Community Action Center and in Talbot County at Talbot County Neighborhood Service Center on June 20, 2013. All are encouraged to participate in the public hearing process.
Public hearing schedule:
Baltimore City
June 18, 2013 10 AM – 12 PM
Govans – Northern Community Action Center
Community Room
5225 York Road
Baltimore MD 21212
410-767-7415
Talbot County
June 20, 2013 10 AM – 12 PM.
Talbot County Neighborhood Service Center
Conference Room
126 Port Street
Easton MD 21601-2631
Contact: Cardeaner Robinson 410-763-6745
If participants cannot attend the public hearing, the Department will accept written comments. Send written comments to Greg Sileo, Director of the Office of Home Energy Programs at 311 West Saratoga Street, Room 239, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-3521. The deadline for receiving written comments is June 27, 2013.
The program will start accepting applications for the 2014 program year on July 1, 2013 and will end May 31, 2014. MEAP plans to serve approximately 123,670 households with an average grant of $496.
The Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR), the state’s social service provider. DHR collaborates with 24 local jurisdictions to: provide foster care, adoption, and protective services to children; collect and distribute child support payments; provide protective services, case- management, supportive housing, in-home aide services, and respite care to vulnerable adults; and provide temporary cash, food stamps, and medical assistance to families. It also funds programs for homeless persons, refugees, and migrant workers. Last year, DHR served over one million people in need. In terms of its annual budget, DHR is Maryland’s fifth largest state agency.
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