Alderman Michelle Harris Supports City’s Emergency Heating Repair Program

Alderman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward recently acknowledged the importance of local income-eligible homeowners who can’t afford to repair or replace their furnace or boiling heating system to take advantage of the city’s Emergency Heating Repair (EHR) program. Photo Credit: The Office of Alderman Michelle Harris
Alderman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward recently acknowledged the importance of local income-eligible homeowners who can’t afford to repair or replace their furnace or boiling heating system to take advantage of the city’s Emergency Heating Repair (EHR) program. Photo Credit: The Office of Alderman Michelle Harris

Alderman Michelle Harris Supports City’s Emergency Heating Repair Program

By Christopher Shuttlesworth

Alderman Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward is supporting the City of Chicago’s Emergency Heating Repair (EHR) program, which will be in service from Nov. 1 through Apr. 1, 2018, to income eligible homeowners who can’t afford to repair or replace their furnace or

boiling heating system.

“It’s already November, and we all know that the temperature has been steadily dropping in Chicago,” Harris said. “This means the cold winter winds are not far behind

as we enter the final months of the year.”

Harris said a considerable segment of her constituents are seniors, working families, disabled homeowners, low-and moderate-income renters and others on fixed-incomes who often need assistance with winter heating bills.

“This is an excellent, highly popular program which provides vital services to city residents, making critical home heating-related repairs, modifications and improvements,” Harris said. “I believe that it is an essential part of service delivery to those individuals in need. Furthermore, it helps to advance health and safety conditions in local neighborhood homes, making them more energy-efficient.”

In order to be eligible for the city’s EHR program, property owners must live in the

building and have a household income below 50 percent of area median income.

Applications are considered on a first come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted, so interested individuals are encouraged to apply early.

Harris, who represents Chatham, Avalon Park, Calumet Heights and more local areas continued to explain that there is a growing number of homeowners who cannot afford to make necessary repairs to remain in their homes.

“Today, many residents experience difficulty affording their winter heating bills while

handling their other housing and financial responsibilities,” Harris said. “Therefore, they

rely on city programs such as the Emergency Heating Repair Program to make ends meet and keep their houses warm.”

To apply for the EHR program, homeowners can call the 8th Ward community service office at 773-874-3300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents can also contact the city’s Department of Planning and Development at 312.744.3653 or visit City Hall, located at

121 N. LaSalle St.

Applications for the EHR program are also available online at www.cityofchicago.org/. For more information, visit https://www. cityofchicago.org/ city/en/depts/dcd/

provdrs/afford_hous/ svcs/receive_

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