HARPSWELL

The town of Harpswell is making it easier for residents to take advantage of its heating assistance program.

At last week’s selectmen’s meeting, Selectman Kevin Johnson suggested that the application process could be simplified to lower the barrier for those who need assistance.

“Sometimes it’s very difficult for people to even walk through the front door,” Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said. “There’s a lot of pride involved.”

The town’s multi-page application for heating assistance has been whittled down to a single page. Those needing assistance will also be able to apply online, mail in their application or can make a phone appointment. For those who still want to visit the town office in person to apply, that will still be an option.

In that same vein, the selectmen opted to make it so that individuals can apply for 200 gallons up front. Previously, applicants could apply for just 100 gallons at a time, for a maximum amount of 200 gallons. Eiane explained that the reasoning behind that change was to reduce the barrier of having to apply twice. The selectmen have the authority to exceed that limit if they so choose.

“This program is here in Harpswell. We want to try to make it easier,” Eiane said of the changes. “We want a little more flexibility about how much we can grant at one time, and we think maybe that will help get this out into the community even more.”

The changes were adopted unanimously.

The program has been in place since 2008 and relies largely on donations. Households under 200 percent of the poverty limit are eligible.