Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, Inc.
We envision thriving communities where individuals and families have broken free from the cycle of poverty.
Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. is a not for profit service organization established in 1965 with a goal to provide a range of services and to utilize all available resources to assist low-income residents of Monroe, Perry and Randolph Counties. Western Egyptian also offers limited services, such as LIHEAP, PIPP and Weatherization to residents of Jackson County. Much has changed since 1965, but Western Egyptian remains committed to helping low-income individuals and families achieve stabilization.
Our Mission
Equipping low-income individuals and families with resources needed for stability and self-sufficiency.
Integrity
We believe in being honest, trustworthy, respectful and ethical in our actions.
Customer Service
We believe in treating our clients with the highest degree of dignity and equality and we strive to provide a hand up, not a hand out, to low-income individuals and families.
Teamwork
We believe in working together and sharing ideas with our community residents, partners and stakeholders.
Stewardship
We believe in effective use of assets to ensure financial stability.
Community
We are committed to making our communities a better place to live for all residents.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has ended. The new program will start up September 1, 2022. There is no assistance available for summer cooling.
Internet Assistance
INTERNET ASSISTANCE: The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a FCC program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
• Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
TO APPLY, GO TO: https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/
Covid-19
In response to Governor Pritzker’s directives and guidance from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Western Egyptian is not currently accepting face-to-face interactions with customers. Applications are still being accepted and may be submitted via fax, email, mail or at one of our three drop boxes. Our staff will continue to be in the office Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm to answer phones, process applications and provide services.
Employment Barrier Reduction Program (BRP)
The Employment Barrier Reduction Pilot program (BRP) has now ended.
LIHWAP
Western Egyptian has received funding for the Low Income Home Water Assistance Program also known as LIHWAP. This program will be available to income eligible customers in Jackson, Monroe, Perry and Randolph Counties beginning January 1, 2022.
LIHWAP requires that the customer either (1) have their water currently shut off due to non-payment; (2) have received a notice of shut off; or (3) owe more than $250 in arrears.
To be eligible for assistance, a customer must first complete a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application and be approved. On that application, the customer should mark both energy & water assistance is needed and submit a copy of their water bill with their application. For energy assistance, a customer does not need to be late on their payments. If the customer already has an approved LIHEAP application for this program year (after September 1, 2021), they need only submit a copy of their water bill.
Furnace Assistance
The Furnace Assistance program has ended and will start back up on September 1, 2022. There is no assistance available for cooling.
Western Egyptian E.O.C.
1 Industrial Park
P.O. Box 7
Steeleville, IL 62288
