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Cassie Turner leaves Community Action Partnership with energy-assistance information and an armload of energy-savings supplies Thursday morning.

Despite a light drizzle and a cool breeze, a simple line formed outside the Community Action Partnership building.

There is hope for those in need.

The local agency began accepting applications for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) on Thursday. It was the first day for the elderly and disabled to apply. Regular households can apply after Nov. 1.

In a struggling economy, money is tight — and staff at CAP met with 30 families in just three hours.

“There was definitely an increase (in applicants),” said Delphia Shanks, CAP director of community development. “People are trying really hard. About 80 percent of our families are working.”

The needy take many forms. Ms. Shanks said there are many people out there who qualify but don’t consider themselves “low income.”

“You don’t want people to be embarrassed and not seek help, and then not have heat,” she said. “You may qualify. It’s worth checking out.”

The eligible monthly income for a family of four, for example, is $2,481. CAP qualifies people based on just one month’s previous income, if there was any.

Ms. Shanks said the agency has received an increase in funding in recent years, but has quickly learned there is no longer a specific season for assistance with utilities.

“We get calls all the time,” she said. “They’re not concerned about the heat or cold. They just need help.”

Gary Sparks of InterServ experiences the same dilemma. “It’s fairly consistent on a year-round kind of basis,” he said.

Mr. Sparks said the organization receives about 300 calls a week from residents looking for assistance on rent and utilities. But InterServ has fewer than 30 appointment slots.

“That’s a terrible percentage, unfortunately,” he said.

Both groups serve as many as they can before running out of funds. Ms. Shanks said it is extremely unlikely her agency would expend all monies in the first month.

CAP has received $1 million in funding over the past year, but has started this year off with only $176,000. Mr. Sparks is hopeful that there is some stimulus money that could help the various organizations, but he doesn’t anticipate those funds until later this month — just in time for the colder months.

According to the Missouri Public Service Commission, the Cold Weather Rule begins Nov. 1 and runs through March 31. Among other things, it prohibits disconnection of heat-related service when the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees.

Jennifer Hall can be reached

at jennhall@npgco.com.