EAST ST. LOUIS – The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is now open to all income-eligible households, and State Senator Christopher Belt is urging eligible families to apply to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills.

“Winter weather is now in full force, and all households deserve to stay warm and safe this year,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Assistance is now available for all income-eligible families across the state – so be sure to apply if your household qualifies.”

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All income-eligible households can now apply for assistance, and applications will be accepted through Aug. 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2024 will provide $237 million to eligible families for energy bill assistance.

For more information or to apply to the program, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or your local agency.

CAHOKIA – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging families to take a tour of the Jarrot Mansion State Historic Site on Saturday to see the home decorated for the holidays and learn the story of St. Nicholas.

“The Jarrot Mansion is a beautiful home, and there’s no better way to see it than when it’s decorated for the holidays,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a great chance to visit the historic site and help children get excited for Christmas.”

St. Nicholas will visit Jarrot Mansion to greet families and share treats with children amid candlelight and traditional holiday decorations. The site is usually open by appointment only, but it will be open for free tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 2. Visitors are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item for families in need. All donations will be distributed to Cahokia food pantries.

The mansion, located at 124 E. First St. in Cahokia, was built around 1810 by merchant Nicholas Jarrot, one of many French settlers who prospered in early Illinois. His home is one of the oldest brick buildings in Illinois.

For more information, contact the Cahokia State Historic Site at 618-332-1782.

EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for Back to Business grants through the NewBiz program open Nov. 30, and State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging newer local businesses to apply for the funding.

“When the pandemic surfaced in 2020, many new small businesses all over the state were hit hard,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Through B2B NewBiz, we are finally giving these small business owners a chance to receive the help they have long deserved.”

Businesses that launched in 2020 or 2021 and remain in operation faced significant impacts during the pandemic, but they have not been eligible for other federal or state relief programming since they were not operational prior to the pandemic. To qualify for the B2B NewBiz program, businesses must have launched between Jan. 2020 and Dec. 2021 and be in an industry that was particularly impacted by the pandemic (outlined here), or a business that was started by an individual or individuals who became unemployed during the pandemic.

Applications will be open from Nov. 30 through Jan. 11, 2024. All eligible applicants will receive a grant as long as the business meets eligibility requirements and submits proper documentation and attestations.

“Small businesses are what make our communities unique,” said Belt. “I’m urging all newer small businesses in the Metro East to apply for this funding so they can continue to thrive.”

For more information about the B2B NewBiz program or to apply for the funding, visit b2bnewbiz.com.

DUPO — Motorists who need to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers can attend a free mobile unit event Saturday sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt.

“The mobile unit makes it easier for people to receive necessary services while cutting wait times,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage residents to stop by if they need to renew their licenses or vehicle registration.”

The free event is on a first come, first serve basis and will be held Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dupo Village Hall, located at 107 N. 2^nd St. The unit operates like a DMV office and offers driver’s license renewals, identification cards and license plate stickers.

Belt invites local veterans to utilize this event to add a veteran designation to their driver’s license or state ID. For veteran designation, residents must bring their DD-214 or Form 13038. For more information about veteran ID services, call the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs at 1-800-437-9824.

With questions or for additional information, contact Senator Belt’s office at 618-875-1212.