Emergency heating aid up from last year's pace

2/19/2005

FREMONT - Requests for emergency home heat aid in Wood, Sandusky, Ottawa, and Seneca counties continue to outpace last year's numbers, according to the WSOS Community Action Commission.

As of Jan. 31, the agency had allocated $179,005.42 to help 1,027 residents with their gas, electric, and fuel oil bills under the federally funded Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program. That's an increase of $32,338.72 for the period between November, 2003, and January, 2004.

WSOS will accept applications for aid through March 31. Residents who meet income guidelines and face a cutoff of their heat supply are eligible for a one-time payment of up to $325. The agency also offers nonemergency assistance once a winter to help residents with heating bills.