Date: Fri 06-Dec-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

fuel-assistance-Hoyt-social

Full Text:

Energy Assistance - Helping Neighbors Keep Warm This Winter

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

Five years ago, Rose Swanson found out she had congestive heart failure. She

had worked hard all her life, raised two kids on her own, and always paid her

bills. But when her condition was diagnosed, she had no health insurance

coverage and it wasn't long before her savings were gone.

That is when she contacted the town's Human Service Department and was guided

through the process of applying for local, state, and federal benefits. But

even now that she receives disability, she is having a difficult time

remaining in her home of 30 years. "I'm to the point where fuel and extras are

above what social security checks will pay for," said Rose.

Operation Fuel is a local resource that has helped Rose and other Newtown

residents to meet one of their basic needs. "Now that prices have risen last

year with delivered fuel, the dollars are just not going to stretch," said

Assistant Director of Human Services Karen Hoyt. "So even if it's a milder

winter, it's going to cost people more this year - that's my major concern."

Mrs Hoyt hopes residents and organizations will consider contributing money to

help their neighbors stay warm this winter. "If there are individuals looking

to make a difference in someone's life, it's a worthwhile way to do it," she

said. "Having heat, and food in their stomachs. There are a lot of things we

can't help with but at least we can help with those two things."

Fuel Assistance

There are a number of different ways people can receive help with their fuel

bills this winter. The state has a program called Connecticut Energy

Assistance Program (CEAP) which sets forth specific guidelines for

eligibility. On the local level, Newtown has access to funds through the

Newtown Fund, Salvation Army, and Operation Fuel, a private, non-profit energy

assistance program, which donates to fuel banks across the state.

Contributions made directly to Human Services for fuel assistance are also

considered part of "Operation Fuel," although those receiving money need not

meet the criteria established for the formal program of the same name.

For instance, CEAP determines eligibility based on income and assets; they do

not take into account things like medical expenses. A family of two could

receive state benefits if they did not earn more than $15,540 (if not elderly

or disabled) or $20,720 (if elderly or disabled). But the annual income is

based on the amount earned four weeks prior to applying for the benefit. The

liquid asset test for this program is $7,500 for homeowners, and $5,000 for

renters.

Anyone who is not eligible for CEAP because they are over-asset or

over-income, or those who have exhausted CEAP benefits may apply for a one

time grant from Operation Fuel. Operation Fuel is a private, non-profit energy

assistance program that donates money to the 55 fuel banks in Connecticut.

Applicants must meet income criteria similar to that of CEAP, but there is no

asset test. If a person does not qualify for CEAP funds, they can receive up

to $250; if they qualify for and have exhausted CEAP benefits, they can

receive up to $150. Last year, 20 Newtown families were awarded assistance

totalling $2,935 from Operation Fuel.

Money donated by residents and organizations to Human Services for Operation

Fuel, also help out the needy. "The money stays here in town, and I really do

count on the private donations each year," said Mrs Hoyt. "In all probability,

the private funds will go to electric bills. CL&P is taking a much firmer

stance about arrearages. And it's no good having oil in the tank if you don't

have electricity to run the furnace."

Mrs Hoyt said she tries to spread out the private donations to help as many

people as possible. This year, she received two donations of $300 each - one

from St Rose of Lima Church, and one from the Lions Club. She has spent $500

of that money helping four people. Although she has seen past-due electric

bills for as much as $1,250, she can offer only a small amount to keep the

electricity from being shut off, or to enable residents to take part in the

utility company's New Start Program.

Last year, Newtown residents were also given fuel assistance through the

Salvation Army ($1,500), Federal Emergency Management Agency ($600), and The

Newtown Fund, and Holcomb Fuel (1,500 gallons of oil).

Warming Neighbors

Last December Nancy and George, who have lived in Newtown 22 years, found they

could not meet their bills for the first time in their lives. George had been

in a car accident and was out of work for six months, and although Nancy

continued to work full time, she made just enough money to feed their three

children, the youngest of whom was one.

"I have a gas stove and we had run out of gas. Karen Hoyt got them to deliver

the next day. I had been cooking in the microwave, toaster oven, and electric

skillet." said Nancy. The town also intervened when the electric company shut

off the power.

The couple owns their own home and had paid in advance for heating fuel that

year. "We've always worked; there's never been a problem paying the bills. No

matter what, you always manage," she said. "To be put in a position because

someone hits you - you're stuck. We're still trying to get back on our feet."

Some people may find it embarrassing to ask for help, said Nancy. But if you

are put in a situation that is out of your control, and there is help

available, you might as well ask for it, she said.

Rose agrees.

"It's not like I robbed a bank, or that I'm a criminal. There's nothing I can

do about it," she said, referring to her medical and financial situation. "I

was used to going to work and handling everything.

"Anybody who would want to help, [Operation Fuel] would be a very good idea,"

said Rose, who also suffers from diabetes, and had a lumpectomy after breast

cancer was detected last year. "The next thing would be to give gift

certificates so people could go and get food. Those would be way up there."

(Names have been changed in this story to protect the privacy of some of the

people quoted.)