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Surry warns of strain on fuel-assistance as heating costs rise
Summary
Town officials said Surry's fuel-assistance fund holds about $10,000 while heating oil averages $490 per 100 gallons; the Select Board will solicit donations to shore up General Assistance ahead of winter.
Select Board member Chris Stark warned April 16 that the town's General Assistance (GA) program is under strain as state and regional aid programs have fallen short, increasing demand for local fuel assistance.
Chris Stark said applicants are first required to apply to the Department of Health and Human Services and Downeast Community Partners (DCP). He said DCP's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has run out of funds before winter's end in recent years and an alternate donor-funded program, THAW, has been discontinued, producing a larger demand on the Surry Fuel Assistance fund.
Stark said the Surry Fuel Assistance fund currently holds about $10,000 and that, as of the meeting, the average price of heating oil was about $490 per 100 gallons. He said he will include a request for donations in the next Surry Scoop newsletter to help prepare for an uncertain winter. The board did not take any formal action at the meeting aside from noting the increased need and asking staff to publicize donation options.
