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Home Heating Assistance Available Through Low Interest Loans
Tracey Cousineau - Outreach Manager
 
8/12/2008

(Region2)

August is generally not the month when Northern Maine residents begin thinking about how they are going to heat their homes, but high heating fuel prices are causing uncertainty.  Even if temperatures are warmer than normal heating oil will be a burden this winter which will affect not only low-income families, but those in the middle class as well.  Penquis Cap began making appointments for Fuel Assistance (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program and LIHEAP) in July.  Based on last year's numbers, the average family receives $415 in LIHEAP assistance, which currently isn't enough for 100 gallons of oil.  Consequently, families can not rely on fuel assistance alone and need to plan ahead by weatherizing their home.

 

Fixing broken or drafty windows and outdated inefficient heating systems can help

save on heating costs and keep you and your family warm.  USDA Rural Development’s Repair and Rehabilitation Loans can be used for these purposes and many more such as:

 

 

Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans are funded directly by the government and are commonly referred to as the Section 504 Program.  The objective of the USDA Rural Development 504 Program is to assist very low income owners of modest single family homes repair their homes.  Loan funds are available to improve or modernize a home, make it safer or more sanitary, or remove health and safety hazards.  The benefits of these loans are that the interest rate is fixed at 1% for the life of the loan, the loan may be paid back over a period of 20 years, and there are minimal or no application and closing costs.  Grants may also be available to persons who are at least 62 years of age and cannot afford a loan.  Don’t be left in the COLD - call and see if you qualify TODAY!  Call 1-800-352-8963, ext. 161 or email rdhelps@me.usda.gov and give your name, telephone number, and the county in which you live.  You may also call 794-6700 and ask for Tracey to obtain more information and applications.

 

I also encourage everyone to make an appointment for fuel assistance as soon as possible. LIHEAP assists households in Penobscot county with high winter heating costs.  Homes may be heated with oil, kerosene, coal, wood, LP gas or electricity.  The Electrical Utility Assistance Program assists low-income households in managing electricity costs.  For more information, call Penquis Cap at 1-800-215-4942.