Spotlight on Participants:

Sara, her husband and four children live in an old Victorian home that she describes as “drafty.” Both she and her husband are employed, and Sara is a first responder and also currently takes care of her mother.

Sara never thought her family would qualify for fuel assistance, but initially reached out about weatherization, and later received a letter encouraging them to apply for fuel assistance. Sara applied, and within a week received a call from Jessica Cruz, Certifier in Fuel Assistance. “Jessica helped me every step of the way,” Sara said.

Within this timeframe, their home’s water heater broke, and Jessica provided the family with the information they needed, along with information about weatherization.

Sara was able to use the assistance to pay for arrears and get back on track. “that is amazing, we are beyond excited.”

Because Sara and her family qualified for fuel assistance, they also qualify for HWAp (heating system repair and replacement) and are getting a new furnace. Because they will have an up-to-date heating system, they will be able to qualify for massSave that will help with insulating their home.

“You guys were amazing to work with. Couldn’t believe how easy you made the process. Jessica was attentive, it was beautiful. Thank you.”

Sara, Fuel Assistance Participant

maria is a full-time employee who also takes care of her 82-year-old mom who has health concerns. “i need to keep the home warm for my mom. With the prices of everything going up, it was becoming harder to pay for oil. We would have had to go without. A friend encouraged me to apply for fuel assistance due to the increased eligibility, i didn’t think i would qualify. i worked with Jessica in the Fuel office. She stayed on top of it and communicated everything.