I run the Federal LIHEAP (low income home energy assistance program) program in Lebanon NH. And as most of us know this is a the year of the heat or eat dilemma for fixed income households and many others. There are more people walking through my door this year than ever. Most leave with tears in their eyes not knowing how they are going to make it through the winter. Heating costs have doubled since last year.You can see the rising costs throughout the years and months on this website http://www.nh.gov/oep/index.htm Even though heating costs have doubled, my programs benefit amount for fuel assistance has not increased a penny. The GROSS (what a joke) income guidelines also have not changed but a few dollars. The formula for the poverty guidelines were produced in the 50's by Molly Orshansky...you can look her up and see how we still go by her, ahh hum, formula.
A client of mine who is 84 had a stroke a few days ago. She could barley talk and the first thing that she said to her daughter in-law was "fuel assistance". How this breaks my heart that instead of worrying about her health and wellness, she is worried about how she is going to heat her home. I wouldn't be surprised if this heat or eat dilemma brought on the stroke. Anywho, her application process was all set and done and I informed her daughter in-law...no worries.
This is just one sad story, but I see this everyday, especially with the elderly.
As neighbors and as a community people need to help one another this year. Educate each other on what are safe means of heating your home. A lot of times the elderly think it is ok to heat with their ovens...this is a big bad bad thing to do.
Donations are accepted towards emergency fuel assistance here in my office. Every donation is more than appreciated. Below is my contact information.
Tri-County CAP
57 Mechanic Street 5
Lebanon, NH 03766
Tel. 603-443-6100
Fax. 603-443-6151
email tccapangel@gmail.com
