Senior Spotlight By John Toscano
Spitzer Says More Heating Funds Available For Seniors, Disabled

Using additional funding secured by New York State lawmakers in Washington, the Spitzer gubernatorial administration announced in Albany last week that additional emergency home heating assistance is being made available to the state's most vulnerable residents in response to rising energy costs.

Governor Eliot Spitzer made the announcement in Albany last Tuesday, declaring: "As all New Yorkers struggle with record-high home energy costs, it's important we do all we can so that senior citizens and low-income New Yorkers can continue to heat their homes during the winter months. This action ensures vulnerable households facing crisis situations do not have to go without heat."

The governor went on to thank New York's two U.S. Senators, Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Congressmembers Charles Rangel (Harlem), Nita Lowey (Westchester) and James Walsh (Syracuse) and the entire congressional delegation from the state for their hard work in securing the critical funds.

The governor was referring to the $82.3 million the state's Congressmembers had secured in recently released Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funds that made the state's new offer possible.

Under the governor's new program, an emergency benefit of up to $700 will be available to those without sufficient resources to address another crisis situation, should it arise.

For information on how to apply for the funds, visit www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap or call 1- 800-342-3009. Applications can also be made at local Departments of Social Services. The funds are paid directly to participating energy vendors on behalf of clients throughout the state. So far this season, New York state has distributed $343.8 million in HEAP funds to seniors and low-income families.

The governor's announcement also said that the new funds will also cover weatherization assistance to more than 2,200 families, resulting in the permanent reduction of home heating bills for these households.

Commenting on the new distribution of HEAP funds, Lois Aronstein, state director of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) said that her organization commends the governor. "Now, more low income New Yorkers can get the assistance they need," Aronstein said. "More funding means fewer low-income adults will have to choose between heating their home and fulfilling other basic needs."

VALLONE URGES 'HOME MAKEOVERS': City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. reports there is a program available to seniors or individuals with disabilities that offers funding for renovations to make their homes more accessible.

The program, "Access to Home", is jointly offered by the Queens Independent Living Center and the Margert Community Corporation to help low- and moderate-income residents to improve the entrance and egress to their homes.

Vallone (D- Astoria) said, "The program will give eligible residents up to $20,000 to $22,000 for work on their homes, such as front door widening. Applicants must meet certain income requirements and either be a frail elderly person or a validly disabled person.

To find out if you qualify, call the Queens Independent Living Center at 646- 300-9136 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Respond quickly to the offer because the funds must be used by the end of March.