Thank you for making a difference.
Together, we raised over $300,000 to help our friends and neighbors stay safe and warm in their homes this winter.
Keep ME Warm provides emergency heating assistance. Contributions are distributed to individual Community Action Agencies and United Ways through a formula based on federal LIHEAP distribution percentages and population. The funds are used to assist individuals (Community Action) or designated to local organizations that provide direct support (United Way), including faith-based emergency fuel assistance programs and nonprofit agencies.
Please note: Contributions are now closed for the 2011-2012 season.
The Need in Maine
In the winter of 2011-2012, Maine faced a perfect storm regarding home heating. Heating oil prices were 19% higher than the previous year and applications for LIHEAP assistance were up 4%.
Meanwhile, federal funding for LIHEAP in Maine dropped from $54 million to only $38.5 million. Changes in federal eligibility guidelines made over 4,000 families and seniors ineligible for LIHEAP. As a result, the denial rate more than doubled to 18%.
For those receiving assistance, Maine State Housing estimated that the average heating benefit would fall from $802 to only $483.
The result? We had more seniors and families struggling to pay for heating than last year and they will need help to survive the winter.
Thank you for helping to make the winter warmer and safer for Maine families.
