February 23, 2011

HARTFORD LAWMAKERS HOST MEETING
WITH SENIORS ON ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

State Representatives Douglas McCrory (D-Hartford) and Matthew Ritter (Hartford, Bloomfield) along with Connecticut Speaker of the House Christopher G. Donovan (D-Meriden) and other members of Hartford’s legislative delegation visited the Northend Senior Center Wednesday to meet with residents to discuss programs available, such as Operation Fuel, which provide low-income families with energy assistance.

State Rep. Douglas McCrory greets local residents at Hartford's Northend Senior Center
during a lunch meeting on available energy assistance programs.

“Winter presents special challenges for everyone, but for many seniors on fixed incomes being able to afford their energy bills can be overwhelming,” said McCrory. “Programs such as Operation Fuel exist solely to help people stay warm and keep the lights on, yet not every one knows about it or how to get assistance.”

The lawmakers were joined by representatives of Operation Fuel and local community fuel banks, who explained what type of assistance is available and where to call for help. Operation Fuel is a private non-profit organization that helps families in need pay for home energy costs.

“Energy assistance is a critical part of our public safety net, and our responsibility includes making sure people know what help is available,” said Ritter. “The Northend Senior Center is a great place to bring people together to hear about the various assistance programs that are out there.”

Operation Fuel provides grants up to $350 to households with incomes up to 60% of the state’s median income. This translates into a maximum yearly income of $31,712 for a single person and $60,988 for a family of four.

State Rep. Matthew Ritter discusses energy assistance programs with senior citizens at
Hartford's Northend Senior Center on Coventry Street.

“The combination of the frigid temperatures and tough economy has made it more important than ever that we fight to protect these programs for our seniors,” said Deputy Speaker Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey (D-Hartford) “No one, least of all seniors, should have to choose between food and heat.”

“Programs that assist people in need are useless if they are not utilized by those they were meant to help,” said Representative Kelvin Roldán (D-Hartford). “It is important not only to support our constituents, but to make sure they know what is available to them. I thank my Hartford colleagues and Speaker Chris Donovan for his steadfast commitment to our communities.”

“As energy costs continue to rise, our vulnerable citizens, many of whom are seniors struggle to pay their electricity and heating bills,” said Speaker Donovan. “There are a number of programs available to help, but people need to hear about them and that is why we are here today.”

There are three local community fuel banks in Hartford serving Operation Fuel clients: Three Angels Adventist on Woodland Street, the Community Renewal Team on Wethersfield Avenue and the Salvation Army on Washington Street. For more information call 860-243-2345.