-Twenty years ago, Daryl Pillsbury and I wanted to do something to help people struggling to pay home heating bills. The price of fuel was high and we figured that, in a short time, the situation would get better and we could suspend our operations.
We had no idea what we were getting into when we started the Windham County Heat Fund.
Over the years, we have learned that the price of heating fuel has only a little to do with people's ability to pay for it. A host of factors feed into the situation.
Global and national politics enter into the mix. The gap between the haves and the have-nots is wider than ever and, as long as that continues, more and more people will struggle to pay for life's necessities.
Wages have not kept up with the rate of growth of the economy. Too many people who are making their best efforts to stay above water must hold down two or three jobs, and they still often teeter on the brink of homelessness.
Rents are ridiculously high, and affordable housing has become one of the rarest commodities. If a family can afford rent, then they usually have to skimp on other basics, such as food, clothing, and medicine.
And heating fuel.
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We have heard a lot of sad stories.
It is not uncommon for local people to keep their thermostat at 50 to 55 degrees and wear a lot of clothing. Elderly people are especially vulnerable to low temperatures, and they comprise the group of people who are often affected disproportionately by high fuel prices.
Older Vermonters are especially proud people who generally do not like asking for assistance from other people or from official agencies. It is not uncommon for us to hear from a neighbor of an elderly person who asks us to make an anonymous delivery of oil. No one turns away that kind of gift.
Then there are the hard working people who had no idea they would soon face tragedy - like a person who gets a diagnosis of cancer and loses their health insurance along with their job.
The heat fund works closely with local social service agencies and case managers to help people whose lives have suddenly and unexpectedly taken a bad turn.
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It seems insensitive that we should celebrate 20 years of the life of the Windham County Heat Fund. The need is greater than ever, and we will continue our work as long as we are able. If there is anything to celebrate, it is the fact that we have helped more than 2,000 people and have raised about $1 million.
We do feel a need to mark the 20th anniversary of the fund if for no other reason than to honor the generosity of individuals, businesses, churches, foundations, and everyone who has supported our efforts over the years.
The Windham County Heat Fund is an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit. Daryl and I do not take a salary, and we pay for many expenses out of our own pockets, which means our overhead is close to $0 most years.
The Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro held a fundraiser for us a few years ago, and on March 29, 2025, Eugene Uman and Elsa Borrero are once again stepping up to put on a benefit concert. We will remind you of this closer to the event.
Even though the weather is warm, the period between now and the end of November is a critical time for those among us who struggle to pay heating bills. State and federal fuel assistance does not kick in until late November, and people rely on us to fill in the gap.
Tax deductible donations can be sent to Windham County Heat Fund, c/o Richard Davis, 63 Cedar St., Brattleboro, VT 05301, or they can be made directly at Brattleboro Savings and Loan.
Richard Davis is a retired registered nurse and longtime Reformer columnist. The Commons' Deeper Dive column gives nonprofits like the Windham County Heat Fund elbow room to write in first person and/or be unabashedly opinionated, passionate, and analytical about their own creative work and events.
This News column by Richard Davis was written for The Commons.