Vermont Heating oil programs in a crisis

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Heating oil programs in a crisis October 4, 2000

By ROBERT F. SMITH Herald Correspondent

WESTMINSTER - Community outreach programs say they are facing a heating crisis for low-income Vermonters in Windham and Windsor counties this winter, making it more difficult for agencies to help families pay for heat.

Fran Churchill, family services director with Southeastern Vermont Community Action, said Tuesday that rising fuel prices have dramatically cut SEVCA's ability to provide fuel assistance to families in need.

That concern was increased Tuesday when local fuel oil suppliers said they have 50 percent less fuel on hand than they did a year ago at this time.

SEVCA's fuel fund is down to just $7,000, which at current prices will buy about 4,800 gallons. With fuel suppliers requiring a minimum purchase of 100 to 125 gallons, Churchill said that SEVCA will be able to help fewer than 46 families in the next two months.

SEVCA assisted an average of 210 families each month last winter but will struggle to help even half that number this year, according to SEVCA Executive Director Gloria Dawson.

"You know what happened to fuel prices last year," Dawson said. "Dealers told us that they expect prices to go to at least $2.20 a gallon this winter. We're very concerned and are asking the public for help."

The situation has been created by a combination of high fuel prices last winter, a cold, wet spring which extended the heating season, and this year's already rising prices. Last year SEVCA was able to pre-buy fuel oil at 79 cents a gallon. This year oil is already at $1.46 a gallon, and prices are going up. The fact that this heating season has already been running temperatures 3 percent colder than last year is also a factor.

"We're really concerned," Dawson said. "We're trying to be proactive and are asking the public to consider making donations toward our fuel fund."

Officials also must wait nearly eight more weeks for government-sponsored fuel assistance programs to begin, meaning many families may be unable to heat their homes from now until late in November, Churchill said.

Dawson said that she does not think it is going to be possible for donations to meet the demand for heating oil among the area's low income families, so SEVCA is also asking for donations of clean blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter clothing.

SEVCA is also releasing fact sheets to the public about the dangers of using gas stoves and kerosene space heaters to heat homes. She said the practice is common in the area but can lead to serious problems and even death.

Anyone wishing to contribute toward the SEVCA Emergency Fund can send donations to 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, 05158. All the contributions will go directly to pay for fuel and electricity for families in need

http://rutlandherald.nybor.com/News/AtAGlance/Story/13586.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), October 04, 2000


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