Heating Help Draws Hundreds In Augusta
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Heating Help Draws Hundreds In Augusta
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has $74.5 million to help the elderly, low-income and the disabled Georgians pay their heating bills, this winter. Applications are taken on a first come,...
The Georgia Department of Human Resources has $74.5 million to help the elderly, low-income and the disabled Georgians pay their heating bills, this winter. Applications are taken on a first come, first serve basis. WJBF News Channel 6’s Renita Crawford has the story.
(Augusta) - Natheul Bolden was one of the hundreds who showed up and braved the cold Monday morning to get some help paying her heating bill.
Bolden: “I’m trying to get some assistance in getting my bills paid because I’m basically behind. I’m at the point where everything is about to be cut off and I guess I’m just like all these other people out here I need help.”
Bolden, like some of the people here is disabled.
I had 3 strokes. The second one has left me partially blind. I’m no longer able to work and that’s a big hindrance because the money I get from social security and disability just does not cover my household expense per month.”
If you have a heating emergency, you’ll need to make an appointment. No crisis applications will be taken at recreation centers.
If you need more information, call 1-866-722-4346.
You can apply for assistance at the Carrie Mays Center on 11th Avenue. If you’re 55 or older you’ll need to go to May Park on 4th Street, and workers will be accepting applications at the Bernie Ward Community Center, on Lumpkin Road.
250 to 300 applications will be taken each day through Friday. Millions of dollar in federal money from the Department of Human Resources will help struggling families keep warm this winter.
Ada Kent is out of work and taking care of her grandchildren.
Kent: “It’s $300 for this month and I’m unable to pay it. I don’t have any income coming in but theirs so I need help paying the $283.”
I’ve never been here before and I never needed their assistance but now i need it.
In most cases, payments will be made directly to the home energy supplier for gas, electricity, propane gas, wood coal or kerosene. Those who qualify will receive payments of either $310 or $350 dollars.
Bolden: “It’s hard. It’s hard on everyone. The apartment complex where I live everybody is struggling. These people aren’t here because they had nothing else to do today. They need help also. There is no shame in asking. The shame comes in needing and not trying to do anything about getting it.”
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