Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A film crew from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is in the territory this week to take pictures and interview families that are listed as low income.

Territorial Energy Office director Misipati Salanoa in response to questions from Samoa News says the film crew is here particularly to take photos of the families here, who may be eligible for the programs.

The outcome of their visit would be provided to the people who are in charge of approving the budgets for the low-income families in American Samoa, in support of the application from here.

A statement issued by the Office of the Governor this week, says:

“The Office of Community Services, under the umbrella of the United States Department of Human and Health Services has a film crew in the territory to collect information on American Samoa’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).”

Both programs are managed under the leadership of Director Misipati Salanoa at the Territorial Energy Office.

Caroline Boyd and Rachel Kelling, from Salt Lake City, Utah, had a chance to meet with Lieutenant Governor Talauega E. V. Ale on May 5, 2023.

Lt. Gov. Talauega greeted the crew and presented gifts for their visit. They will be conducting interviews and collecting information from the beneficiaries of the LIHEAP and LIHWAP programs and their families.

The LIHEAP program provides assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherisation, and minor energy-related home repairs.

The LIHWAP program assists low-income households with water and wastewater bills.

To sign up for these programs, please contact the Territorial Energy Office at (684)699-1101 to check your eligibility, the statement says.