Feb
9
Written by:
blog-bev
2/9/2009 2:49 PM
Meet “GENE”… his chair was pulled into the kitchen and blankets hung to close off all the rooms of his home. 82 year old “Gene” was alone, with an empty propane tank and his oven his only source of warmth. He ran out of gas and was not able to pay his $800 propane bill. His only recourse was to use his electric range to try to survive this extra harsh winter. “Gene” was one step away from freezing in his own home.
Meet “GENE”… his chair was pulled into the kitchen and blankets hung to close off all the rooms of his home. 82 year old “Gene” was alone, with an empty propane tank and his oven his only source of warmth. He ran out of gas and was not able to pay his $800 propane bill. His only recourse was to use his electric range to try to survive this extra harsh winter. “Gene” was one step away from freezing in his own home.
This is just one of the many situations our fellow low-income citizens are facing. Fortunately NCCS was able to pay “Gene’s” propane bill and bring heat to his home. Many others are not as lucky, as the cost of heating remains high, the need for help continues to grow and funding does not meet the need. Each month in just five hours, NCCS spends our monthly allocation of heat and energy funding. In February we spent $39,000.
2008 Heat and Energy Summary
NCCS provided 89,500 gallons of fuel to 612 families at a cost of $431,385. Funding was provided by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) with a grant of $360,286 and the Fremont Area Community Foundation with a grant of $71,099. Even with this level of funding we were unable to serve 1,315 families due to lack of available funding.
Weatherization Program
We have had great success in the second year of our MPSC weatherization grant which provides funding for permanent weatherization solutions for high energy consuming low-income homeowners. Post NCCS weatherization services, our 2007 Newaygo County clients saved up to 19.2% of their energy costs and 25.3% of their heating costs. These savings allow our clients to have a permanent solution to their high energy utilization and increased chance to balance their household budgets.
The Essence of Compassion…….
Resolve to be tender with the young,
Compassionate with the aged,
Sympathetic with the striving,
And tolerant with the weak and wrong……
Because in your lifetime you will have been all of these
Please join NCCS in checking on your neighbors, those that are disenfranchised and those that are less fortunate. Make certain they are safe and if you are able share your good fortune and friendship with those who need you to extend a helping hand.