Fuel assistance running low
By Gail McCarthy, Staff writer. From the Gloucester Daily Times, page 1, January 26, 2004

Cape Ann's fuel assistance program is expecting a flurry of calls from residents seeking help as the recent cold snap shows up in high heating bills.

Action's fuel assistance program, which began Nov. 1, has 1,550 residents signed up, and there is less money to give out than in year's past.

Marie Sanviti, the director of the fuel assistance program, said many residents likely will see a $200 to $300 gas bill this month.

"People are just beginning to see their heating bills," she said in an interview Friday, before another weekend of frigid temperatures. "We'll now start to see a flood of people as soon as the consequences of this cold weather snap sets in. This has been a hard winter, and some are already out of benefits."

Sanviti said this year the highest seasonal benefit given was $565, compared to $820 last year. The lowest benefit this year is $380, compared to $560 last year.

Action is waiting to hear if the federal government will release more money for the program.

"We are hearing that we may get more money, but nothing is etched in stone. If they do provide more funds, it usually isn't that much. People may get another $50," she said. "The program runs through April 30, but the problem is many of the people are wiped out."

When its benefits run out, Action refers its clients to the Citizens Energy Program for more low-cost fuel. But the Citizens program makes only one delivery.

"We just constantly look for funding. We hope for donations, which we sometimes receive from churches and local people," said Sanviti. "It's a horror show in here when you have a 90-year-old woman looking at you saying she has no heat."

Of the more than 1,500 residents now signed up, more than 300 are more than 60 years old.

Action may look to FEMA, the Salvation Army or other agencies to help residents.

"We are advocates for everyone who walks in here. But if the cold spell stays the same, we will run into trouble in the next couple of months," said Sanviti.

She explained that the fuel assistance program also serves as a clearinghouse of information for those in need. If people seeking fuel assistance do not qualify for that program, they may qualify for a winterization program in which their houses or apartments could be insulated for more fuel efficiency.

"We have a lot of working families in this area on the program," said Sanviti, including many waitresses, landscapers and painters. "People in financial trouble may find some help here because we can refer to other places."

People can apply through April 1. By the end of last year, the fuel assistance program served 1,650 people. Sanviti said that number will be surpassed this year when the program ends in spring.

For more information, Cape Ann residents can apply for assistance at the Action's fuel assistance program office at 47 Washington St.