The Home Energy Assistance Program or HEAP, Winter Crisis Program began Monday at the CCEDEC office at 523 Park Avenue East in Mansfield.

Central City Economic Development Council's Community Services director Patti Luckie said the program got off to a great start. She said appointments started at 9 a.m. and there are five appointments scheduled for each half-hour. She said there are a lot of individuals who will get their services restored this week.

Luckie said walk-in customers will only be seen on Wednesdays and utilities must be disconnected or you must be out of bulk fuel. The HEAP Winter Crisis Program runs from Nov. 1 through April 15, 2010.

To schedule an appointment for HEAP assistance call 1-866-747-1041.