AUGUSTA -- The agency that administers heating assistance programs in the region has already received 4,000 applications for help, and expects to break last year's record before the heating season is over.

The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program won't get funding until the end of next month, but there is already a backlog of appointments for those seeking to apply for heating assistance. The funding is through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program,

Kelly LaChance, LIHEAP manager for KVCAP, said people seeking assistance, if they haven't already, should call soon to make an appointment.

But be prepared to wait. Someone calling to make an appointment to apply for heating assistance now isn't likely to get an appointment until at least January. And the application process can take six to eight weeks to complete.

"It looks like we're going to have a huge influx this year," LaChance said. "It's the economy. People are unemployed, or, if they have a job, their wages have been frozen. The cost of things is going up, but paychecks are not."

Last year, KVCAP processed 11,800 applications, about 2,000 more than ever before. This year, LaChance expects they'll get between 12,000 and 13,000 before the end of the heating season.

LIHEAP provides a one-time payment to help low-income people heat their residence. Qualifying for it can also qualify recipients for other programs.

People in need of heating assistance may schedule an appointment by calling 1(800) 542-8227. LaChance noted it is important for applicants to bring the proper documentation with them to their appointment, including proof of income for the prior three months, and a copy of their electric bill. Recipients may qualify for an electric bill discount program.

The Home Heating Challenge, a group organized through the Kennebec Valley United Way, held its initial meeting of the season Thursday. It meets regularly during the heating season to network and brainstorm ideas for making sure area residents don't go without heat over the winter.

Mary Laflin, of the state Department of Health and Human Services, and Mary Francis Bartlett, of the city of Augusta's Health and Welfare Bureau, both expressed concern about the lack of funding, so far, for a program which provided temporary housing to homeless people when local shelters are full.

"There is no money for that so far," Laflin said. "To keep people from freezing in the street was the mission. It gave us time to work with people, and put them in a hotel for emergency situations."

The Heating Challenge group also raises money for an emergency heating fund. Saturday, at the Fall Family Festival at Longfellow's Greenhouses in Manchester, proceeds from tickets sales for activities will go to the heating fund, according to Rob Gordon, executive director of the Kennebec Valley United Way.

Keith Edwards -- 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com