CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – With freezing temperatures are hitting western Massachusetts this week, thousands of low-income families can finally get help paying their heating bills. Federal funding for the low-income home energy assistance program has been released after a month-long delay.
The Valley Opportunity Council told us that the release of the funding is great news because they can now assist everyone eligible for the program just in time for these freezing temperatures. “These are our neighbors, our families, and our friends. These are hardworking individuals, often working multiple jobs. These are retirees on fixed incomes that use this money during these really cold months when the bills skyrocket to balance out and make ends meet,” said Melissa White with the Valley Opportunity Council.
The federal government released LIHEAP funding on Tuesday. The money had been delayed for a month due to the government shutdown. The Valley Opportunity Council typically serves about 20,000 households a year and they normally receive their funding in early November to help low-income residents stay warm when heating bills spike…