WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Calls for Fuel Assistance Heat Up

Calls for Fuel Assistance Heat Up

Lebanon, New Hampshire - October 21, 2009

Angel Jackson runs the fuel and electric assistance programs that serve Grafton County, N.H. And lately she has been inundated with calls from people who need help.

"A lot of hours cut, laid off, waiting for unemployment, receiving unemployment, a lot of self-employed," Jackson said.

A stack of applications only represents one month of calls. So far Jackson's Tri-County CAP office has received 264 requests for heating assistance for the upcoming winter season. That's up about 50 percent over last year.

"This year is more the economy," Jackson said. "People don't have jobs; it is not so much the fuel."

In 2008 high fuel costs caused thousands of additional fuel assistance applications in New Hampshire and Vermont.

In Vermont, applications this year have already exceeded last year's totals.

Jackson says that as the weather gets colder even more people will come looking for help.

"I never turn anyone away," she said. "Even if they are over income I apply them because a lot of times the income guideline will change."

It's a process that many people say they never thought they would have to go through. But one that's hoped to alleviate additional hardship caused by not being able to pay bills.

"Stress, a lot of stress. You know it is not just hitting their fuel, they can't pay their rent, they are worried about being able to pay their mortgage. They are worried about being homeless," Jackson said.

As of right now people from this office are booked solid with appointment through mid-December, however they say that should not discourage people from applying or simply calling for more information. Especially with the winter season right around the corner.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News