WeCAN braces
for harsh winter Hospitality House program offers fuel
assistance
By Cara Kelly
With predictions of light snow flurries for the beginning
of next week, winter weather is undeniably and quickly approaching.
The unseasonably cold temperatures experienced in recent days
have sent chills down the backs of Hospitality House staff members,
who are bracing for a cruel winter season.
Ingredients for a near disastrous winter are emerging, with intensely
cold weather predicted by locals and an unprecedented spike in
fuel costs.
WeCAN service coordinator Shivonne Quintero was hoping to stall
the start of the heating assistance program until cold temperatures
reached a more dangerous level, but with snow flurries making
their way into the forecast, time is running out.
“We were putting off starting the heating assistance program
because our funds are so low,” Quintero said. “Fuel
assistance is so expensive, we can only do it as we have the funds
available.”
With a shaky economy and high fuel prices, the heating assistance
program will be unable to aid the same number of people it has
in the past, even though there is a higher demand for help.
“Everyone is feeling it with the economy. It has already
been reflected in our donations, they are down this year from
what they were this time last year,” Quintero said.
The WeCAN fuel assistance program is funded solely through donations,
largely from community churches and religious organizations. Quintero
and other staff members are gearing up to send donation request
letters to local churches, in an effort to raise funds for the
program that is currently experiencing exceptionally high demand
for services.
“I’m really hoping people will read the letter and feel
that need, that call. It is such a simple thing but anything is
going to truly make such a difference,” she said. “We
were talking about if everyone in the church congregation gave
$10 a month, that would help so many people with heating assistance.”
Yet, the reality of the economic situation is sinking in for the
Hospitality House and community members who seek their services.
“A lot of people I see are hit way harder then anyone else.
That increase in fuel is their rent and their food. A lot of people
don’t have work in the winter here because so many jobs are
seasonal,” Quintero said. “There are so many things
that they are being hit with from every angle: gas prices are
up, fuel prices have gone up, food prices are higher, there is
a lack of work, and we are very much where they turn to.”
In 2007, WeCAN spent more than $55,000 in heating and electric
assistance. During the first few months of 2008, the program spent
nearly the same amount in a fraction of the time.
Fuel companies will deliver a minimum of 100 gallons of fuel to
a home, which in early 2008 cost approximately $300. Currently,
100 gallons costs nearly $500.
“The reality is that if someone donates $1,000, it is only
going to help two families. It is so expensive that whatever funding
we do get is going to go so fast,” she said.
In addition, many people use kerosene to heat their homes, which
is generally in scarce supply.
According to Quintero, Social Services is unable to help those
who use kerosene as a fuel source because it must be delivered
in a maximum of three days after a request. Companies in Boone
are typically unable to keep up with demand, and do not promise
delivery until three to five days following an order. Due to the
regulation in Social Services assistance, many people are unable
to qualify for their heating assistance measures and seek help
from the Hospitality House.
Families in desperate need were previously allowed to ask for
fuel assistance from WeCAN two to three times per season, receiving
100 gallons that generally last for two to three months if used
sparingly. Quintero has already informed clients that multiple
requests will not be an option this year.
With extremely limited resources, Quintero is spending more time
educating clients on how to weatherize their homes reduce heating
bills, a cost-free service that can benefit many Boone residents.
“One thing I am feeling good about, I’m giving people
a basic list of little things you can do to conserve heat and
save money, like putting on a sweater or keeping your thermostat
down lower, use a space heater.”
Quintero has also been referring people to other organizations
that provide weatherization assistance and recommending clients
purchase weather stripping and other essentials to prevent excess
use of heating fuel.
To donate to the WeCAN fuel assistance program, send a check to
the Hospitality House at 302 West King St., Boone, N.C. 28607,
attn: WeCAN. For more information, call Quintero at (828) 264-1237.
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