PI and Belfast looking out for residents in need of fuel help

    The Maine State Housing Authority reports that an average household uses 6.67 gallons of fuel oil per day during heating degree days. This past winter, many community members faced tremendous difficulty heating their homes and with the ever increasing price of oil, it’s not likely to get any better this winter.     To aid those in need, the City of Presque Isle has established a supplemental heating oil program known as HEAT, Home Energy Assistance Trust. The program is intended to help Presque Isle residents who do not qualify for other heating oil assistance programs and are struggling to meet their heating oil needs. Recipients will be limited to a maximum of 100 gallons, once per year. There are income guidelines and applications will be processed through the General Assistance office.
    The program is funded with private donations and with the proceeds from the sale of “barrels of oil” that anyone in the community may purchase for $1. The barrels are available for purchase at City Hall now and in the future will be available for sale in other city-owned facilities and local businesses. Most recently, The Belfast Maskers donated the proceeds from the opening performance of “Almost, Maine” written by John Cariani of Presque Isle. The city appreciates the gesture of the Belfast Maskers. Any donation of more than one dollar will be accepted as well. Be looking for the little barrels displayed around the city.
    LaNiece Dampf Winslow is director of resources management for the city of Presque Isle. She can be reached at 764-2522 or online at lwinslow@presqueisleme.us.