11/23/2008
from the Kennebec Journal
Rep. Pingree hears varied proposals for health-care solutions
HALLOWELL Fire that cut communications labeled arson
MONMOUTH Police defended after slim budget rejection
State's schools chief to parley
Wasser will lead newsrooms at KJ, Sentinel and in Portland
BRIEFS
Hockey still in picture for Harrington
Portland boxer to face legend's son
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Kennebec Journal
from the Morning Sentinel
$1.3 MILLION FOR HEALTHREACH
Families Matter grows to meet special needs
Chellie Pingree listens to ideas on health care reform
FARMINGTON Rain alters plans for 4th of July
District regroups after budget failure
Vote on county budget hits snag
Burnham driver wins checkered flag at 2 tracks on same day
Maine boxer gets unique opportunity
All of today's:
News | Sports
from the Morning Sentinel
Additional help may be on its way soon for low-income people worried about staying warm this winter, but those who need it should be ready to act quickly when it becomes available, as it could be fleeting, according to Rob Gordon, executive director of the Kennebec Valley YMCA and a leader of the Home Heating Challenge, a local group of representatives of several community organizations, municipalities, police departments, oil dealers and others formed to find ways to help keep vulnerable residents warm and in their homes.
Gordon said Saturday he learned at a meeting of the group Friday that Citizens Energy Corp. plans to provide oil to needy Maine residents again this winter. Citizens Energy Corp. is a nonprofit group founded by former U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy of Massachusetts that distributes oil at discounted rates from Citgo, the petroleum company owned by Venezuela's national oil company.
Last year the program provided 100 gallons of oil to each of those who qualified and signed up in time.
"They are committed to doing that again. It will be announced soon," Gordon said. "People should plan on accessing it as soon as possible, as soon as it's announced, because last year they ran out."
Residents looking for federal assistance should call the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, which administers federal Low Income Heating Assistance Program funds in central Maine, as soon as possible to set an appointment, Gordon said. He said the organization already has processed 8,200 requests for help, granting money to help buy heating fuel to about half of those applicants after reviewing their eligibility.
The Home Heating Challenge group plans to meet again Dec. 19.
"It's an effort to bring together resources in the community so we can cover all the emergency situations and help get people through the winter," Gordon said of the group.
Fundraising efforts are ramping up for a special local fuel program, which distributes funds through the United Way and Goodwill Industries.
The Kennebec County Sheriff's Office is helping raise money for the local program by placing blue Heat Helper donation canisters in area stores and other gathering places.
Last winter, the program gave away about $40,000 worth of assistance before it ran out of money in April, Gordon said.
Additional cans are available and can be delivered by the sheriff's office. Gordon said stores or other public places can call the United Way or the sheriff's office to obtain a donation collection can.
Keith Edwards -- 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com




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