It is still a eat or heat season here in the Upper Valley. Due to the failing economy my office is still seeing many new and returning clients. The fax machine is in constant motion, the phones are ringing non-stop. Homeless Programs here are just as busy, especially with their new Housing WIN Program. You can learn more about the Homeless Programs by going to: http://www.tccaphomeless.org/
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Emergency season started December 1, 2009 and thus far I have completed 48 emergency fuel applications. An emergency constitutes as 1/8th or less of Kerosene or Oil, 10% or less of propane, an electric heat disconnect, a week or less of wood, or if heat is included in the rent an eviction notice or notice to quit.
Completed Applications so far:
LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance): 639
EAP (Electric Assistance Program): 308
Currently there are many clients applying for EAP but they are being wait listed if they are income eligible. This is because there is not enough funding for the program. If a client does not recertify their application on time or move away or becomes deceased then there is an open slot. According to the Associated Press (http://wbztv.com/wireapnewsnh/Senate.expected.to.2.1407761.html) there are about 7,500 people on the EAP wait list in New Hampshire and the NH Senate is trying to push a bill to appropriate stimulus energy efficiency money for this program, meaning from the Weatherization Program.I have had clients waiting for over a year now for their monthly electric discount. An EAP monthly discount can range between 5% to 70%. There are arugments about this appropriation. Weatherization is a more sustainable program in the long run by reducing energy costs all around, where as the EAP is only a monthly discount on an electric bill.
If you would like to support 10 Bricks Homeless Programs or the FAPGAP fund (money helps with home heating when Federal dollars aren't enough) please submit your contribution to:
10 Bricks
PO Box 12
Lebanon, NH 03766
(FAPGAP)
Tri-County CAP
57 Mechanic Street Suite 5
Peace, Love and Many Thanks!
Lebanon, NH 03766
