WESTMINSTER — Well before the official start of winter, Vermont has seen lower-than-average temperatures and an unseasonably early snowstorm, raising the prospect of another cold, harsh winter.
With higher fuel prices this year, hundreds of area households will likely find it difficult or impossible to keep the heat on. In fact, households with low incomes spend an average of about $2,000 more than they can afford on energy costs every year.
While many get some assistance through the state's seasonal fuel-assistance program, what happens when that's not enough?
For low-income households in Windham and Windsor counties that are facing a heating emergency, the Crisis Fuel & Utility Assistance program from Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA, sevca.org) can be their lifeline.
And, as of this week, that lifeline is once again available.
“When your fuel is down to a quarter tank or you are facing an electricity disconnection, call us and we'll do our best to help,” Pat Burke, director of SEVCA's Family Services Program, which provides Crisis Fuel assistance, said in a news release.
“But don't wait until you completely run out of fuel, because it could take five to seven days before a fuel delivery can be arranged, and the Crisis Fuel program cannot cover the fee for a special delivery (or fees for leak and pressure tests for empty propane tanks),” she warned.
How the program works
To be eligible, households must have had extenuating circumstances that led to the heating emergency (defined as being very close to being out of fuel or out of fuel without money to buy more), and income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
Those federal levels are based on household size; e.g., $4,184/month (gross) for a family of four.
Most households must first apply for and receive Seasonal Fuel Assistance before they can be considered for Crisis Fuel Assistance. Burke urges all qualified households to apply as soon as possible for the seasonal program, so that an application for Crisis Fuel is not delayed.
Generally, only one such assist is provided per household receiving Seasonal Fuel Assistance per year (two assists for those who don't qualify).
SEVCA may also be able to arrange an emergency furnace repair or replacement for qualified homeowners whose furnaces stop working or become unsafe to operate.
For more information, call SEVCA toll-free at 800-464-9951 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Applicants in northern Windham County may also call that number to schedule an appointment. Brattleboro-area applicants should call 802-254-2795; Springfield area applicants, 802-885-6153.
Applicants must bring pay stubs or other proof of income, know how much fuel is left in their tank, and provide information about their fuel dealer.
Crisis Fuel Assistance is available until the second Friday in April.
For Crisis Fuel Assistance on weekends and holidays only, call 866-331-7741 (starting Dec. 1), and for furnace repair or replacement assistance on weekends, holidays, or for after-hours emergencies, call 877-295-7998.
Donations bridge the gap
To help bridge the gap between what is covered by the state's Crisis Fuel Assistance program and what is needed by a particular family in crisis, SEVCA raises money through grants and donations.
To help keep low-income families warm this winter, individuals may donate to the organization's Share the Warmth fund at www.sevca.org/share-the-warmth. Checks may also be sent to 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, VT 05158.