THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 12, 1997 TAG: 9702120717
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Local Briefs
LENGTH: 48 lines
Dare County residents can help provide emergency heating assistance to local needy families through the EnergyShare Program, now in its 14th year of services to communities across North Carolina.
``This program meets a vital need in our community,'' said Jay Burrus, director of the Dare County Department of Social Services. ``We are able to use these funds to help families who might fall between the cracks. It's difficult for many Dare County families to make ends meet during our off-season when energy bills peak.''
Last year during one of the coldest winters on record, EnergyShare helped 336 people in Dare County stay warm when a lack of heat could have created a life-threatening situation.
``The need for contributions is great. Last year, despite generous giving, we had to turn away more than 3,200 families for lack of funds,'' said John Hughes, regional manager of North Carolina Power.
Dare Social Services distributes local EnergyShare Funds. The agency began accepting applications for assistance Dec. 13. Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient. The program allows recipients to get oil, coal, wood, kerosene, gas or electricity.
To qualify for EnergyShare assistance, a person must live in Dare County and be in danger of losing an important source of heat. A recipient must have a household income no higher than one-half of the local median income level, be unemployed or demonstrate a personal or family crisis.
To ensure the widest possible distribution of EnergyShare assistance, persons eligible can receive only one payment of up to $500 per heating season.
EnergyShare is supported by donations from North Carolina Power customers and employees, and EnergyShare Partners. North Carolina Power covers the program's administrative costs, allowing all donations to go toward paying heating bills. The utility also will contribute $50,000 in matching funds to help persons in need pay their North Carolina Power bill.
Customers and businesses are receiving a special envelope in their February/March bill as a reminder of the continuing need for contributions to the fuel assistance program. Contributions in any amount may be mailed in the envelope to EnergyShare, Post Office Box 370, Roanoke Rapids, N. C. 27870. Payments may also be made through North Carolina Power bill overpayments of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35. All contributions are tax deductible and are accepted year-round.
EnergyShare assisted a total of 6,986 families last winter, reaching a total of 20,324 individuals.