Mild Weather in Northeast Causes Emergency-Heating Programs to Lose Donations

Groups that provide emergency heating-cost assistance to poor people cite the mild winter for a large drop in donations, reports the Associated Press.

Central Vermont Public Service Corporation’s Shareheat program has received only $30,000 so far this winter—as opposed to last year’s $125,000, said Steve Costello, a spokesman for the organization.

“With the warmer weather, people don’t think about it as much,” Mr. Costello said. Clearly, people aren’t having to buy as much fuel as in years past. But at some point, Mother Nature’s going to deliver winter, and crisis fuel situations still do happen. The weather’s been a benefit, but the need hasn’t gone away.”

The Warmth Program, also in Vermont, said it too has received fewer donations.

Each year, Shareheat gives up to 1,000 families a grant of $150 to $200 apiece to pay their heating bills.