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"A
senior family of two found themselves without oil shortly before
an impending snowstorm. The husband had been in the hospital for
surgery and, upon discharge, was prescribed $900 in medications.
Slightly over-qualified for CONPACE, and without drug coverage,
they spent the last of their savings on prescriptions. A proud
family, unsure of what to do, contacted their local social
services department. With Operation Fuel funds, social services
was able to have oil delivered to their household that day.” --Stratford Fuel Bank Director— Funds are dispersed in cash grants up to a maximum of $400 per household per year paid directly to vendors. In most instances, families eligible to use Operation Fuel dollars have incomes at between 151% and 200% of the federal poverty level, ($30,975 - $41,300 for a family of 4) and therefore make too much money to be eligible for public assistance. Unemployment, insufficient child support, illness or death, and insufficient incomes are the reasons most often cited for a family's application. Operation Fuel uses a network of over 60 fuel banks that are in direct contact with local households in need. They are town social services agencies, community action agencies, nonprofit organizations such as the Emergency Aid Association, and religious organizations. These agencies voluntarily take applications for our program. In addition to providing our clients with crisis funding, our network of fuel banks also provides referral for both long-term and immediate solutions. Services may include budget counseling, consumer credit counseling, help with a job search, referrals to food pantries, day care centers, legal aid counseling, housing and treatment services. Operation Fuel’s energy banks also facilitate oil deliveries, stop utility service shut-offs, arrange for utility service reconnection and negotiate with energy assistance vendors on behalf of clients, enabling them to work out a reasonable payment schedule based on budget constraints. Some agencies also provide conservation and weatherization workshops in conjunction with utility company programs and resources. Services and Population Served:
For information on applying for assistance please call 211 or the fuel bank in your town. |
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