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United Way's Winter Warmth Fund already in trouble 

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Rural residents seeking relief for propane, oil or wood heating costs for the winter, have drained that portion of the United Way’s Winter Warmth Fund.

“We have funding for the utilities governed by the Ontario Energy Board, but our community fund we use for other forms of heat has been depleted in six weeks,” says Francesca Dobbyn, executive director of the United Way of Bruce Grey.

The fund started off very healthy, she says. "We had received donations totalling almost $10,000 but the need has grown to $13,000 in the first six weeks of the program. While the Provincial Emergency Heating Fund provides only a once-in-a-lifetime grant, families who have exhausted that route, or needed help in December prior to the fund starting, have drained our resources.”

The community fund portion of the United Way's Winter Warmth program provides support for heating sources not supported by regulated utilities.

"How bad is bad?" asks Dobbyn, and then goes on to explain:

  • Propane, oil, wood etc.: 32 families who actually owed more than $14,000 and we’ve paid just under $13,000; average bill is $437.50 - program will pay up to $500 for qualifying families
  • Electricity: 70 families who actually owed more than $36,500 of which we will be able to pay only $28,500; average bill is $520 - program will pay up to $500 for qualifying families
  • Gas: 37 families who actually owed more than $14,000 and we’ve paid just under $11,000; average bill is $378 - program will pay up to $500 for qualifying families
  • Totals: 140 families, Dec. 1, 2010, to Jan. 14, 2011; 170 families,  Dec. 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010
  • Paying out $52,500 to date - $70,000 in all of last year’s program

 
How the Fund Works

Intake is done by the 211 Information and Referral Service which also directs people to other community supports such as food banks, etc. After a successful application process, one-time funding will be credited directly to the applicant’s utilities account. Clients are referred to the Grey Bruce Credit Counselling office for processing, but generally do not become disconnected while they wait for processing.

Eligibility

Eligible grant recipients include low-income households that are in arrears or at risk of disconnect on their energy bills and have exhausted all other sources of financial support.

Donations to support the program can be made by contacting the United Way of Bruce Grey or on-line through www.canadahelps.org



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Thursday, January 20, 2011