Fuel In Lockdown: Pollock Provides® Heating Oil Program

COMMUNITY ESSENTIALS Fuel in Lockdown

Pollock Provides Heating Oil Program

In 2020, one of the few things you could count on was a cold winter. From the mid-September chill to the May thaw, temperatures in our communities rarely broke 50⁰ F, often dipping below 0⁰ F. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, residents were advised to stay at home as much as possible, which made deliveries of heating oil even more essential than in normal years. Our Pollock Provides® Heating Oil Program delivered much-needed fuel to community members in winter, from late 2020 to early 2021.

To maintain safe social distances and follow CDC guidelines, CVRF staff quickly pivoted to no-contact delivery protocols wherever possible. This enabled many of our community members to continue receiving muchneeded heating oil without fearing exposure to COVID-19. CVRF spent $389,824 on the program and provided a total of 2,222 households with 35 gallons of heating oil each. “CVRF heating oil deliveries have helped so much in lockdown, because we were unable to work and pay for fuel,” said DEANNA NICHOLAI, a resident of Napaskiak.

MONICA WESLEY, a resident of Mekoryuk, said the heating oil was a huge help for her as a single mother raising her daughter. “When it is stormy and cold outside, the heating oil CVRF provides keeps us warm. I’m very grateful for this program, because it helps me heat my home and take care of my daughter.” Monica also participated in the People Propel® Program, which enabled her to replace her old stove and install a much-needed exhaust cover.

This is just one example of how CVRF programs can be combined to help heat and improve homes in the region.

DEANNA NICHOLAI

Many people in our village were struggling with the winter cold, and CVRF was there to provide us heating oil.

DEANNA NICHOLAI, NAPASKIAK

NICHOLAS and XENIA EVAN