Downeast Community Partners heating assistance, they should call 207-610-5914
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DCP Announces July 17 Opening for Heating Assistance Appointments; Unveils Mobile HEAP Teams
Downeast Community Partners (DCP) is getting a jump on the heating assistance season, this year. “We’re already proactively calling those we served from prior seasons,” notes James Nealey, Director of Energy Services at DCP. “Right now, we’re focusing on our particularly at-risk neighbors and those who were ‘eligible-benefit-determined’ last year and didn’t receive a benefit,” states Jenny Reese Pullen, DCP’s Senior Manager of Energy Services.
Beginning July 17, the public can start calling to schedule an appointment to apply for heating assistance. The direct line to call is 207-610-5914.
“Human nature being what it is, most people are not thinking about keeping warm in the winter during summer,” states Development Director Sharon Catus. “We want our neighbors who believe they will need heating assistance this winter to be able to rest assured knowing they have assistance all lined up for the winter. The way to have that peace of mind is to call us – beginning on July 17 – to schedule an appointment.”
“When you’re calling, initially, it’s not for the actual application, it’s to schedule a time to apply with one of our Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) associates. Thus, it’s a more than one step process, and as it can take 6-8 weeks from start to finish, it’s best to begin that process during the summer,” Catus affirms.
“This season we have a new phone system to allow for better response times to all who call our Energy Services department,” notes Nealey, “and for the first time since COVID, we will be doing in-person appointments, as well.”
DCP will dispatch mobile HEAP teams to towns across Hancock and Washington counties, beginning August 1. “There will be roughly 20 appointments a day at these outreach events,” notes Nealey, “and we currently have 26 communities on our list to visit in-person.” The teams, he said, will be there “to walk applicants through the application process and collect the required documents directly on-site.”
DCP’s mobile HEAP team will kick off their first in-person event in Stonington, at the town hall, on Tuesday, August 1, from 9am-3pm. On Friday, August 4, the team will be in Winter Harbor, and on Monday, August 7, in Lubec. September will see the team in Deer Isle, Gouldsboro, Calais, Baileyville, Bucksport, Milbridge, and Eastbrook. “We’ll be in town halls, libraries, and community centers,” says Nealey, “it just depends on where each community determines that it is best for us to set up.” The team will continue to travel both counties through October and into November, returning to some communities more than once.
“These event days are subject to cancelation if we do not have enough scheduled appointments in the week leading up to the event, or if we encounter inclement weather,” notes Nealey. “If an in-person event is cancelled, our HEAP team will conduct those appointments via phone.”
“Although Maine State Housing – at least historically – does not release funds to Home Energy Assistance Program applicants until the first of November, it’s important to get in the queue over the summer,” Catus reiterates. “We’re very excited to be going out into the communities to meet people in person. I am hoping we get a great response.”
Downeast Community Partners is committed to improving the quality of life and reducing the impact of poverty in Downeast communities. DCP serves as a facilitating partner for our neighbors in need by extending access to a diverse spectrum of resources for each individual and family as they traverse their pathway to improved well-being and increased self-sufficiency. www.downeastcommunitypartners.org
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