Orange County Fuel Fund Application Deadline Approaches

From United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region:

MONTGOMERY, NY―Orange County residents who are in need of assistance to help pay a portion of their home heating expenses, but who do not qualify for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), may be eligible for help through the Orange County Fuel Fund. The deadline for applications is next Friday, April 29th.

“Though it wasn’t a very cold winter and heating unit costs have been lower than in previous years, the help provided by Orange County Fuel Fund is still available and may prepare those residents in need for the fall,” said Jeannie Montano, President & CEO of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

Residents will be able to apply for a heating grant to assist with payment for a portion of their main source of home heating fuel expenses. These sources would include electric, gas, kerosene, oil or propane costs. Grant amounts depend on the type of heating fuel used by county residents and range from $800.00 to $1,000.00. Applicants who are eligible and approved for heating assistance receive grants that will be paid directly to the consumer’s heating provider. The Orange County Fuel Fund operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and is not set up as an emergency fund.

“This is a good time to start planning for next year,” remarked Pat Fayo, Director of the Orange County Fuel Fund Program. “In addition to the heating grants we offer the Energy Savers Program, an incentive based program that will help individuals reduce energy consumption and costs.”

To find out if your household is eligible for assistance from the Orange County Fuel Fund or to complete an application online, visit www.ocfuelfund.org. Orange County residents can also download the application form online, print it out and mail to: United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, 30 Scott’s Corners Drive., Suite 102, Montgomery, NY 12549, Attention: Orange County Fuel Fund, or fax the completed from to 845-457-4702.

Income and household restrictions do apply and proper documentation is required. Eligible Orange County residents will be asked to submit all required documentation to the Orange County Fuel Fund program administrator. Eligibility and documentation requirements are available online at www.ocfuelfund.org or by calling 845-457-4774 EXT 3112.

About the Orange County Fuel Fund

The Orange County Fuel Fund, an initiative of Orange County Government and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, is designed to enhance the penetration rate of energy related services available for low to moderate income residents of Orange County. The program’s goal is to reduce the barriers associated with consumers applying for a financial assistance programs. By building on a consumer's strengths, the Fuel Fund is empowering them to meet their future needs.

About United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region's mission is to build a stronger, healthier community by developing resources and partnerships that make a measurable difference in people’s lives. We believe that education, income and health are the building blocks for a successful life. In collaboration with every sector of our community, including nonprofit organizations, businesses, government, schools, civic and volunteer organizations, United Way works to address the most critical needs facing our neighbors in the Hudson Valley. In 2013-14, charitable contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations to United Way’s Community Fund supported nonprofit partners in delivering services to more than 101,000 residents of Dutchess and Orange Counties. For more information, go to www.uwdor.org