For Immediate Release
Jan. 24, 2003

RICHMOND -- Governor Mark R. Warner announced today the Virginia Department of Social Services will receive $4.65 million to help low-income families with increased heating costs resulting from the recent severe cold weather. The funds will come from $200 million in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance emergency funds released by the federal government today.

"Extremely cold temperatures are especially hard on the state’s low-income, disabled and elderly citizens," said Governor Warner. "Many of these individuals have difficulty heating their homes anyway, and many are having trouble bearing the burden of the added heating costs resulting from this extreme cold."

The additional funds will supplement the crisis assistance component of the Energy Assistance Program administered by Social Services.

"This additional funding is being made available at a time when those most in need are unable to keep their homes warm," Social Services Commissioner Maurice A. Jones said. "I am grateful that our most vulnerable citizens will benefit by the release of this additional money."

Low-income households can apply for crisis assistance at any of Virginia’s 121 local departments of social services. Applications will be taken through March 15, 2003. The funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Energy Assistance Program is comprised of three components – fuel (winter heating), crisis and cooling. The application period for fuel assistance has passed and that funding has been allocated, making crisis assistance the quickest way to provide assistance to low-income individuals.

The $4.65 million in federal funds for crisis assistance will help pay for: security deposit; portable space heater for temporary use; home heating fuel; heat utility bill; emergency shelter; and repair or purchase of heating equipment.

Marcella Williamson
Media Relations
(804) 692-1031
mkw900@email1.dss.state.va.us