As reported by John Lynds, East Boston Times-Free Press:
As the weather gets colder Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Energy Programs Director Kathy Tobin expects more residents will be signing up for the annual Fuel Assistance Program at ABCD’s Meridian Street APAC office.
This year APAC and ABCD will help thousands of resident in Eastie and across the city stay warm this winter. Tobin said already this year, the amount of residents signing up for fuel assistance is about the same as last year but that number is expected to rise.
So far APAC and the ABCD’s other community sites have received more than 23,000 applications for fuel assistance and are on track for the same amount this year.
However, the number of applicants is proof that federal funds need to be increased to meet the demand during New England’s harsh winters. The maximum benefits for residents are down this year by $200.