As temperatures start to drop during the evenings and mornings are colder, we are reminded that fall is now well and truly here, with winter following closely behind it. While the State of Maine and many local organizations offer heating assistance to those who need it, federal staffing cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) means that resources are going to be stretched very thin this season. While temperatures are still mild, now is the time to begin applying to heating assistance from any of the following programs.

Although early application to LIHEAP is always encouraged, it is especially important to apply as soon as possible this year. LIHEAP can assist with fuel costs and offers emergency fuel delivery. Eligibility requirements must be met and can be found at mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/liheap. Information on and help connecting with your local LIHEAP providers can typically be found through the Midcoast Maine Community Action Program (MMCAP), which can be contacted at (207) 442-7963. As soon as MMCAP begins processing applications, it will get pretty busy, so contact is encouraged sooner rather than later.

Another service offered by MaineHousing to homeowners in need of heating assistance is the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), which provides heating system repair to those who qualify for LIHEAP. They are also able to offer heating system replacement services if repair is not possible. Fuel tanks, furnaces, chimneys and other elements of a home’s heating system are covered by this service. Similar to LIHEAP, CHIP assistance is distributed through MMCAP.

The Midcoast Wood Bank, located in Topsham, is an organization that is run entirely by volunteers and operates from donations. It serves the communities of Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Harpswell, Lisbon, Topsham and Woolwich, and offers assistance to individuals and households who utilize woodstoves or wood furnaces to heat their homes. The wood bank is able to provide up to two cords of firewood per qualifying household per season and offers help with loading the wood to those who can pick it up. For those who do not have the means to pick up the wood themselves, the wood bank offers limited delivery services. Those who need firewood assistance are encouraged to reach out to the Rev. John Allen as soon as possible at (207) 729-7331. If you have the time and means, please consider donating extra firewood or volunteering with the organization.

Many towns have their own heating assistance programs. If you are in need, don’t hesitate to give your town clerk a call. If they do not have town resources available, they can assist in connecting you to someone who may. For more information on any and all of these programs and to stay up-to-date with ongoing events and legislation, subscribe to my regular newsletter at mainesenate.org. If you ever have any concerns or opinions that you would like shared or ideas for legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can email me at Denise.Tepler@legislature.maine.gov or you can call my office at (207) 287-1515. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you soon.

Sen. Denise Tepler represents Maine Senate District 24, which includes all of Sagadahoc County, plus Dresden in Lincoln County.