Fuel assistance applications available

Operation Fuel’s winter energy assistance program will begin on Monday, December 3, when its statewide network of over 100 fuel banks, also known as intake sites, begin accepting energy assistance applications. Connecticut families and individuals who are struggling financially and need emergency energy assistance should call 211 to find their closest fuel bank.

According to the United Way's most recent ALICE Report, more than 500,000 Connecticut households cannot afford the cost of basic needs; and as home living expenses continue to rise, Operation Fuel expects to see an increased need for energy assistance this winter.

“Operation Fuel wants to ensure that households struggling with home energy costs, have access to heating, electricity and water assistance and are able to stay warm and safe in their homes this winter. As we are all susceptible to extreme weather, we must ensure that those who are even more vulnerable to colder temperatures, children and the elderly especially, have access to our programs. This holiday season, we are asking Connecticut residents to consider making a donation to Operation Fuel. The assistance can very well help your neighbor or a relative,” explained Operation Fuel Executive Director Brenda Watson.

Operation Fuel provides yearround emergency energy assistance throughout Connecticut to lower-income working families and individuals, the elderly, and disabled individuals who are in a financial crisis. For more information on Operation Fuel, or to make a donation, go to www.operationfuel.org.

Donations also can be mailed to Operation Fuel, 75 Charter Oak Avenue, Suite 2-240, Hartford, CT 06106. Utility customers can donate to Operation Fuel through the nonprofit’s Add-a-Dollar program when paying their utility bills. Operation Fuel uses 100 percent of the donations made to the Add-a-Dollar program for energy assistance.