The United Way of Bruce-Grey is getting some more funding for the Winter Warmth program.
Executive Director Francesca Dobbyn says the start of a new calendar year means a top up of funding from utilities.
She says so far, they’ve received 50 thousand dollars from Union Gas — which is the same amount they spent last year to help people pay their gas bills.
Dobbyn says she’s not sure yet what the commitment will be from other utilities, but adds the real problem will be in finding funds for oil, propane, and wood heating.
She says they usually rely on community fund raising for those customers.
A five thousand dollar donation was made in December, but Dobbyn says they’re almost through all of that money already.
In 2011, Dobbyn estimates they spent almost 300 thousand dollars through the Winter Warmth fund, and she’s not sure what this year will bring.
But she’s hoping the pressure will be eased, as this fall was a lot milder than the last one.
Dobbyn adds 2011 was a unique year, with a lot of people applying for funding in late summer and early fall, which they don’t usually see.
But she says there have been a lot of job losses in the community, and until people start making money, there will continue to be a strain on the funds.
Dobbyn says the biggest challenge is the number of seniors who need assistance, because the cost of living continues to rise.
If you need help paying your home heating bills this winter, Dobbyn directs you to call 2-1-1.
