PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A program that helps low-income households pay for their winter heating costs began Wednesday in Pitt County after delays caused by the government shutdown.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP, usually begins Dec. 1 but was pushed back due to the historic government shutdown that ended in mid-November.

“It is very essential for the health of our elderly, our vulnerable population. They require that in order to sustain,” said Sonya Scott, Pitt County Family Support Services administrator.

The program provides a one-time vendor payment for homes that need assistance with heating. The county sends money directly to qualifying recipients’ heating companies to lessen the burden.

The program has launched for the priority group, made up of house

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