Thursday, 4:30 PM
Heating assistance available, mayor says
By Stephanie M. Peters, Globe correspondent
Fuel assistance and other services are available to seniors and other residents to ensure they are safe and warm this winter, Mayor Thomas M. Menino reminded Boston residents today during a visit to the Charlestown Golden Age Center.
"No one should be without heat in their home this winter, and no one should endure unsafe conditions," Menino said in a statement. "No matter the emergency, there is help available, whether through my Senior Home Emergency Home Repair Program, HeatWorks, or other city services."
Residents who earn 200 percent or less of the federal poverty level are eligible for financial assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which pays fixed amounts towards heating bills depending on household income and size. The program operates between Nov. 1 and April 30, and the maximum benefit is $684.
NStar, KeySpan, and Mass Energy also offer heating and energy assistance programs. The Boston Red Sox have also pitched in, donating 3,600 gallons of heating oil to Mass Energy to deliver to 20 needy households this winter, Menino said.
Boston seniors can also seek out help keeping their homes warm, dry, and safe from the Senior Home Emergency Home Repair Program, which has been operating for over 14 years. In the past year senior homeowners have received $935,377 for emergency heat and repairs.
For general assistance with a winter heat emergency, call the mayor's 24-hour hotline at 617-635-4500. For more information about the Senior Emergency Home Repair Program call 617-635-0600.
