Many First-Timers Seek Heating Bill Assistance | News

Some of the 120 people wanting help paying their heating bills in Winston-Salem Tuesday were in those lines for the first time, Salvation Army officials said.

Some waited for hours at the Center of Hope in Winston-Salem as the Piedmont experienced its first cold snap of the winter season. Temperatures were forecast to drop into the upper teens Wednesday morning.

John Gladman, who works for the Salvation Army, said many in line Tuesday were first-time  applicants feeling the sting of the economy.

"We are seeing a lot of folks that are underemployed, unemployed and newly unemployed. What we are seeing quite a bit of are people whose unemployment benefits are ending," Gladman said.

"Even though you have to wait a couple of hours, it's worth it until we get back on our feet," said John, a father of three whose power was threatened to be disconnected Wednesday.

Then there are some like William, who has to choose between paying for his 20 prescriptions or the heating oil bill.

"Had it not been for these places I probably couldn't make it," William said.

Unfortunately for both the Salvation Army and those needing help, there is less money to work with.

Washington decided to cut its low-income energy help in half, but the state was able to keep its funding the same as last year for those in crisis mode.

Funding for those who need help over several months, however, has been drastically cut back. Only people over 60 and the disabled can get longer-term funding between now and Jan. 31.

If money is still available, everyone else who meets eligibility can apply for funding starting Feb. 1.