PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The second annual Heating Homes with Helping Hands Telethon on Nov. 15 raised an impressive $57,320 to assist Aroostook County citizens experiencing emergency heating hardships this winter.
United Way of Aroostook, Aroostook County Action Program, and WAGM-TV partnered on the event.
“We are very grateful to the hundreds of donors who helped us raise these funds, which are so needed. With winter coming a bit early this year, we know some people will need some assistance keeping their homes warm,” said Sherry Locke, executive director of United Way of Aroostook.
More than 30 volunteers from various organizations and businesses took calls from viewers, who either donated or inquired about eligibility requirements for the HEAP program and to see if they pre-qualify to receive funds and set an appointment to formally apply.
“We do everything in our power to keep those experiencing a fuel emergency from ever having to go through that again,” said ACAP Executive Director/CEO Jason Parent.
“Donations go directly to help keep our neighbors in the community warm and safe when no other resources are available at the time of an emergency during a brutal time of year in Aroostook County.”
Over the coming winter, households receiving emergency assistance receive follow-up from ACAP’s coaching staff, which opens up the door to those individuals and families to get help with financial literacy, budgeting, weatherization, energy conservation education, and even energy-related financial incentives through various programs ACAP administers.
Early cold and snow this season underscored the extreme need for emergency fuel assistance in the region. The morning after the telethon, ACAP received more than 500 calls in the first hour of the day from people needing assistance. While pledges will come in over the next several weeks, call volume for fuel assistance remains extremely high due to the colder than normal temperatures and numerous other factors, said ACAP officials.
ACAP regularly processes more than 5,000 applications each season, and since late August, has already taken more than 2,700 applications. Staff are processing as many requests as possible each day.
“We ask that community members please keep in mind that there is a process for determining eligibility as it relates to the Home Energy Assistance Program, and the related emergency fuel assistance program, that all need to be vetted through to determine eligibility. Appointments and key documents are required to apply for HEAP and emergency assistance,” said Parent.
Telethon funds are intended for households determined not eligible for HEAP funds, and with a demonstrated need. Parent said that although over $57,000 was raised, those funds were pledged and not all of the money is currently in hand. These emergency dollars are intended to run through this winter season and until this time next year.
Individuals seeking assistance should call ACAP at 768-3053 to make an appointment. They will need the name of their fuel vendor and account number, valid/current government-issued identification; Social Security cards for all household members; current electric bill; current lease; and proof of all eligible income.
