The New England region forecast for winter predicts icy temperatures and continuous snow storms, unlike last year’s mild weather. Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) urges thousands of working families, elders and other residents struggling to make ends meet to sign up immediately for fuel assistance.
On Tuesday, November 1, ABCD covering Boston, Brookline, Newton and the greater Mystic Valley area (Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn) will initiate its seasonal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Last year over 26,000 households received ABCD Fuel Assistance. Once again program officials encourage all those who may qualify for fuel assistance to apply before freezing temperatures set in.
As the cost of living escalates – including housing, food, and other utilities – families are barely getting by. In fact, too many are falling behind and into debt. Assistance with winter heating bills is vital to keep homes warm, families comfortable, and away from the plights of homelessness, risk of hypothermia, and hospitalization.
“Poverty statistics show continuing high numbers of the poor in Massachusetts and the nation, and winter adds a harsh dimension to their lives,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “Every year there are older citizens choosing between heat, medicine or food. There are children huddled in bitter cold apartments unable to do homework. We have people dying in fires caused by unsafe space heaters. ABCD has the resources of the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that can help these people to survive the cold and get back on their feet during the winter.”
Here’s a clip from Neighborhood View’s “What’s New? Malden” with Aiesha Washington, ABCD’s operations manager at the Mystic Valley Opportunity Center.
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