More Vermont families seeking help with heating

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont’s gas help program helped many extra Vermont households than in years previous.

Officers report 6% extra households had been in search of help from LIHEAP early within the heating season this 12 months. They consider elevated gas prices and inflation are driving up the necessity for assist.

With the elevated want got here elevated funding. Vermont had available for this system double what we’re usually allotted. We obtain roughly $21 million yearly from the feds for the gas help program. This 12 months, with injections from the federal and state authorities, we had roughly $40 million out there.

“Particularly when the worth per gallon had jumped a lot and for our gas sellers who it’s costing extra to get the merchandise and extra to maintain these vehicles out on the roads, it definitely helps to fulfill our households’ wants,” mentioned Richard Giddings of the Vermont Division for Youngsters and Households.

DCF says there is no such thing as a assure there might be further funding for subsequent winter.

They do say in case you are eligible for LIHEAP funding, you might be eligible at no cost weatherization, as properly, one thing DCF needs Vermonters to contemplate to assist their gas help {dollars} go additional.

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