OIC enrollment opens for winter

COLUMBIA BASIN — OIC of Washington Utility and Rental Assistance Program started its open enrollment for the winter season on Oct. 1.

To be eligible clients must live within the Upper Yakima Valley or Grant or Adams counties, fall within the income guidelines, show proof of income for the previous three months and provide proof of identification for every member of the home.

Some of the assistance programs available through OIC for residents of Grant and Adams counties include:

• Energy assistance: Provides financial assistance to households at or below the federal poverty guidelines to offset a household’s energy burden.

• Rental assistance: Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s rent burden.

• Utility assistance: Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s utility burden. TRAP Utility Assistance Funds will prioritize households that (1) have income at or below 50% AMI (guidelines are posted at https://bit.ly/3CDqy3Q) and (2) have one or more individuals who are unemployed and have been unemployed for 90 days before their application date.

• Mortgage assistance: Provides financial assistance to households at or below the counties’ Average Median Income (AMI) guidelines to offset a household’s mortgage burden.

• Housing counseling

Clients who are wanting more information or to schedule an appointment can call 509-765- 9206 or visit www.yvoic.org.