As winter approaches and temperatures drop, state and nonprofit agencies are working to spread the word about home heating help and support available to help keep families safe and warm during the coldest months of the year.
The resources here cover a variety of energy-related needs including heating assistance. Eligibility rules differ and you may need to reach out to the contact listed to determine if you qualify. You can also call Coastline at 508-999-6400 for help with identifying and accessing assistance.
For fuel assistance, two highlights for home heating stand out. First, PACE’s fuel assistance program through MassCAP and for those who miss qualifying there, the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy fund administered by the Salvation Army.
The Fuel Assistance program assists eligible households pay their heating bills during the winter/spring season or until benefits are exhausted. Applications are currently being accepted online, and income-eligible households may receive help from Nov. 1 through April 30. Both renters and homeowners are eligible for assistance.
Locally, applications can be made through PACE at www.paceinfo.org/programs/fuel-assistance/ or by calling 508-525-4271. More information can also be found at www.heatinghelpMA.org including energy efficiency program information and a link to the online application portal, www.toapply.org/MassLIHEAP.
“The goals that we pursue have everything to do with helping our vulnerable friends and neighbors living with low incomes to become economically stable and mobile,” said Joe Diamond, Executive Director, of MASSCAP, the statewide association of community action agencies, at a kickoff event with PACE in New Bedford. “The Home Energy Assistance Program is a comprehensive approach to helping so many households across the Commonwealth heat their homes safely and efficiently.”
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund can be an alternative to anyone who is over the eligibility income requirements for assistance through PACE.
It is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. Income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels.
To apply for fund assistance contact the Salvation Army Corps in New Bedford at (508) 997-6561.
Older adults can also reach out to their Council on Aging and ask for home heating assistance. In addition to community resources, COAs can send an application for heating financial support to Coastline.
Additional Resources
City of New Bedford/Office of Housing and Community Development
508-979-1500; Emergency Repair, Housing Accessibility, Lead Paint Reimbursement, Financial Assistance.
People Acting in Community Endeavors
508-999-9920; Replace inefficient appliances (refrigerators & freezers); Repair/replace heating systems; and, Install insulation & reduce heat loss.
Catholic Social Services/HUD Housing Counseling
508-674-4681; Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers guaranteed loans through HUD.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Home Modification Loan Program
For seniors, individuals with disabilities, or low-income. For eligibility requirements, contact: Susan Gillam at 1-866-500-5599 or sgillam@cedac.org.
https://www.mass.gov/home-modification-loan-program-hmlp
Citizens for Citizens
Heater Repair Program
508-675-2157, Ext. 235; cfcinc.org
Heater repair or replacement. Call directly for eligibility guidelines.
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