Last year was a mild winter, this winter has been colder and has seen much more snow. That means we are spending more to keep the house warm. Families in Maine that rely on heating assistance are receiving less assistance than last year, due in part to, the mild winter we had last year.  That is causing a problem.

Benefit amounts through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) are based upon how much fuel participants used last winter. Couple that with a colder winter this year and much higher heating fuel prices and many families are having a tough winter.

I filled my tank not to long ago and when I checked this week, it had some movement. It is scary to watch and if I did not have some money stashed away to pay that bill, it would be even scarier. If your family would like to learn more about heating fuel assistance here is some information for you.

If you would like to help other Maine families with heating assistance, you can donate to Keep ME Warm Fund at keepmewarm.org.

There are also local events coming up to raise money for heating assistance. This Saturday, February 23rd, there is a Keep Winthrop Warm 6th annual chili, chowder, soup throw-down and raffle, to benefit community heating assistance for Winthrop residents. It will be held at Winthrop High School starting at 4:30 p.m. Also this Saturday there is a benefit spaghetti supper for the Vassalboro Emergency Fuel Fund at the United Methodist Church starting at 4:30 p.m.  That is what I love about Maine, when it comes down to it, it really is neighbor helping neighbor.

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