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As a clinical social worker I support people who rely on heating assistance to stay warm, pay their bills, take care of their families and maintain their mental health. LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps at least 52,000 Mainers each year.
During winter heating energy bills can be 30 percent of a low-income person’s monthly income. In Maine, applying for LIHEAP can help you be eligible for SNAP or food stamps, which can be a confusing process.
Last week, the staff who dispense $4 billion worth of heating assistance across the country were fired. Due to the cuts in staffing, I believe Maine people had two days to apply for LIHEAP funding or be at risk of losing their food stamps, which caused at least one of my clients to have a panic attack. Further, the $4 million already promised to Maine may not be released, which will impact thousands of Mainers who are already financially burdened.
Join me in calling and writing to our federally elected senators and representatives to ask them to make sure our remaining $4 million of LIHEAP funding is released so Mainers most in need do not have to choose between paying their heating bills and other basic necessities.
Dana Leeper
Waterville
