Knoxville community rallies to prevent winter shutoffs amid federal funding crisis

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Thousands of East Tennessee residents are facing uncertainty as funding for critical assistance programs remains frozen due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a vital resource for those struggling with utility bills, is currently unable to provide 2026 aid, leaving many vulnerable.

“I can’t be in the wintertime, you know, with no heat and everything, you know what I mean? So, I might have to cut back on the food,” Knoxville resident Bonnie King shared, highlighting the difficult choices people are being forced to make…

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