FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2017
Contact
Colneth Smiley
Desk: 617.348.6224
Cell: 617.872.9435
colneth.smiley@bostonabcd.org
Fuel Assistance Extended through May 12th! Give our youth a way!
There’s Still Time for Income-eligible Residents to Sign-up
APPLY TODAY FOR A RANGE OF BENEFITS
Spring is here, but don’t let the financial burden from winter weigh you down. Many low-income homes have heating bills that need to be addressed. ABCD’s Fuel Assistance and a number of other beneficial services are still available –with $1,100 being the maximum benefit for qualifying residents.
With warmer weather approaching, on April 1st utility companies are duly able to shut-off services and have begun sending out termination notices. Last year over 26,000 households received ABCD Fuel Assistance. Those in need, struggling to make ends meet, are urged to sign up well before the May 12th deadline in order to take advantage of all available benefits including protection from utility shut-offs, discounted rates, weatherization, heating system repair or replacement, and more.
Help is still available for those in need through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Residents that have already signed up and new applicants can benefit as Action for Boston Community Development compensates fuel vendors directly for qualified households – resulting in cost savings up to a maximum benefit of $1,100 in oil, gas, or electric heat.
“Poverty statistics show continuing high numbers of poor in Massachusetts and the nation, and winter adds another harsh dimension to their lives,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew. “We are here to get heating assistance to those who need it.”
The advantages to qualifying residents and households go beyond continued fuel deliveries. Individuals can submit heating fuel expenses incurred during the winter season from Nov. 1st to April 30th .
ABCD can help with discount rates for gas and electric bills, weatherization assistance, heating system repairs and replacement, an electrical audit – incandescent light bulbs replaced with new LED bulbs, and assistance with measuring the efficiency of the refrigerator, window air conditioner, and existing dehumidifiers at no cost.
ABCD taking applications across the region
Applications for fuel assistance are available at ABCD’s Central Boston office located at 178 Tremont Street, or at any ABCD Neighborhood Service Centers, or by calling the ABCD Fuel Assistance Hotline at 617-357-6012. Residents of Malden and surrounding towns may call 781-322-6284. Those living outside of Boston, Malden and surrounding towns may call the MA Heat Line at 800-632-8175. More information, including a list of Boston-area site locations and phone numbers, may be found at bostonabcd.org/fuel-assistance.
About ABCD:
A Massachusetts-based nonprofit human services organization, ABCD provides low-income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support and resources they need to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Each year, we’ve served more than 100,000 individuals, elders and families through a broad range of innovative initiatives as well as long-established, proven programs and services. For more than 50 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in every neighborhood and community served, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.