As another blast of dangerous cold settles over Iowa , Impact Community Action Partnership says continued funding delays are creating uncertainty for the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program — better known as LIHEAP — as demand for heating assistance is increasing.

The federal government shutdown last month delayed the program's funding. The state provided carryover funds from 2025 to keep LIHEAP operating through the fall and early winter. Paula Arkema, Impact’s energy and health coordinator, says those dollars represented the only operational funding available until the 2026 allocation is released.

“We’ve now received word that the LIHEAP funds will start flowing soon,” Arkema said. “That’s a major relief, not just to us, but to the thousands of families we serve.”

Impa

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