TEAM in Derby offers heating assistance

DERBY - TEAM wants the community to know that first time/new appointments are still available for Home Heating assistance until May 1.

While oil delivery ends on March 17, bill payment remains available for those families who need assistance and have not obtained heating assistance this year.
However TEAM is concerned about some area households – those with the least disposable income, particularly the unemployed.

The winter's below zero temperatures, along with early ice and snow storms, has resulted in households stretching their incomes to fund rising home heating expenses (to cover the higher cost of needed heating oil). TEAM has used use both Federal and State resources for these families’ heating assistance.
The average benefit this season is about $717, essentially one tank of oil. At this point, many have exhausted their annual benefit for assistance, and we are worried they are at risk and possibly could be forced to relocate.
Once the energy assistance dollars are used, families must choose between heating their home and putting food on the table. These families may be “out in the cold”, when their grants are gone and there is no additional money to provide another winter fuel delivery.

A donation to TEAM’s Warm Hearts Fund can help these vulnerable families remain warm and secure during March. You can make your donation online at TEAM’s website www.teaminc.org by clicking on the “donate now” button.

TEAM programs serve the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Oxford, Shelton, Seymour, and Woodbridge.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.,  a private, 501(c)3 non-profit corporation whose mission is to connect individuals and families with solutions that lead to well-being, self-sufficiency and full participation in the community.