Published: Jan 1, 2023 2:36:47 PM
Updated: Jan 1, 2023 14:33:47
Greenfield — Supporting local businesses is helping to “close the gap” in serving people who need fuel assistance but do not necessarily meet federal requirements.
Tony Warden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank, said it has announced a $30,000 donation to the local fuel assistance program, $20,000 of which will go to Community Action Pioneer Valley. will be donated to the Fuel Assistance Program.
According to Claire Higgins, executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, the nonprofit’s fuel assistance program “meets the needs of thousands of households.” Still, “some seniors, veterans, and families need more help,” she added.
Across the region, applications for fuel assistance are up about 20% compared to 2021, Higgins said. This may be due in part to rising fuel costs, but she noted that they used to go through the process in person, but now they can apply online as well.
“To date, we have received about 7,600 applications, and about two-thirds of them have been approved,” Higgins explains. “Some of them are still pending certification. A number have been rejected.”
According to the nonprofit, the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a free resource, provided by Community Action Pioneer Valley in partnership with the Department of Housing and Community Development, to help eligible households save money on winter heating costs. help pay for a portion of Eligible applications cannot exceed 60% of Massachusetts median estimated income.
Higgins said the program was able to intervene as an emergency solution for about 700 households without heating or fuel this year. In such cases, the nonprofit can “speed up the application and get approval.”
“There are limits on income and caps on how much you can claim,” Higgins explained, noting that some situations are beyond what the Fuel Assistance Program can support. “This will allow us to close the gaps regarding the content of the bill.”
These funds are stored in a fund called “Heat Up” and can also be used to finance repairs or to upgrade your heating system to make it work better.
“Even if someone is denied fuel assistance, we may be able to provide them with money to heat up,” she added. A donation makes a big difference.”
Those interested in applying for fuel assistance are invited to attend a workshop on Thursday, January 12 from 10:00 am to noon at the Brick House Community Resource Center on Third Street, Turners Falls. Applicants must bring photo identification, a list of all household members, proof of income, utility bill information, and a valid lease or mortgage statement.
To register, please contact John Camerota (586-335-9693) or jcamerota@brickhousecrc.org.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.
