(Long Island, NY) Hempstead-based EAC Network’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) received $12,500 from the AARP Foundation to provide financial assistance for the payment of energy bills by low-income seniors 50 or older who were hit hardest by the record-breaking cold last winter. Recognizing the extreme hardship seniors have faced, and knowing that many of them have already exhausted their financial resources, the AARP Foundation grant provided financial assistance directly towards the heating costs of those who needed it most.
“We are grateful to AARP for providing financial assistance to low income seniors for their energy bills,” states HEAP Program Director Liz McDermott. “With the organization’s help, we were able to alleviate the burden of having to decide whether to buy food and medications or pay heating bills.”
Norma Mitchell, HEAP recipient, at her home in Franklin Square. Photo Credit: EAC Network.
EAC Network’s HEAP is operational from November 1 through May 15, dependent on sufficient funding. Eligible households that pay directly for heat may receive benefits ranging from $300 to $800. Additional information is available at 516.565.4327 or http://www.eacinc.org/heap.
ABOUT THE AARP FOUNDATION
Americans age 50 and older face choices and pressures unlike those of any other age group – choices few could have prepared for. As the charitable affiliate of AARP, AARP Foundation is working with struggling people 50 and over so they can regain their confidence as good providers and members of their communities. The foundation focuses on four priorities where immediate action and legal advocacy will have the greatest impact: hunger, income, housing, and isolation.
ABOUT EAC NETWORK
Founded in 1969, EAC Network is a not-for-profit human service agency with a network of 70 programs throughout Long Island and New York City. Last year, EAC Network helped over 57,400 people of all ages. Among those the organization assisted were children who have been physically or sexually abused, senior citizens needing support, people struggling with substance abuse and/or mental illness, youth in the foster care system, persons on public assistance seeking financial independence, adults and youth who are under or unemployed, individuals needing help to mediate disputes and families in crisis. For more information, visit www.eac-network.org.
