As officials recognized the heat wave’s disproportionate effect on low-income and unhoused people unable to access air-conditioning, they made a crucial change to the state’s energy assistance program. Congress appropriates funds for the program, and the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, doles it out to states in late fall. In typical years, once Congress appropriates LIHEAP funds, HHS distributes the money in the fall in time for the colder months. The need for LIHEAP funds has always been greater than what has been available. As a result, states often run out of money by the summer.