LISTEN Community Services heating helpers

I appreciate the Valley News for recently sharing several articles that highlight the growing challenges many of our neighbors in Vermont and New Hampshire face in meeting basic needs such as food, housing, and heating assistance. As cold weather settles in, these challenges become even more urgent.

At LISTEN Community Services, we meet individuals every day who are pushed to the brink by low wages, rising costs, and unexpected emergencies—leaving them unable to afford necessities. Alongside serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness, we are seeing a growing number of seniors and working families seeking help for the first time.

Due to cuts to the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) last year and continued uncertainty about its future, clients are reaching out earlier and requesting more support than in past years. By the end of December, many of our clients reported that they had not yet received notice about whether their applications to the State of New Hampshire had been approved. Of those who did receive approvals, many were awarded significantly less assistance than last winter—often not enough to fill a fuel tank even once.

Last winter alone, LISTEN helped 1,507 Upper Valley residents with heating and electricity costs, and demand is only increasing. So far this heating season, LISTEN has provided 23% more heating grants than at this time last year, and current trends suggest elevated need will continue through the remaining winter months.

Philanthropic support from across our community makes it possible for LISTEN to prevent evictions, keep homes warm, and put food on the table. In February, we are especially focused on helping neighbors heat their homes during the coldest stretch of the season. Donations made toward heating assistance will have twice the impact thanks to a matching gift from the Jack & Dorothy Byrne Foundation.

If someone you know is struggling with food, housing, or heating costs, we encourage them to contact LISTEN. To everyone working to address economic inequality in the Upper Valley — thank you. Together, we can meet these challenges and build a stronger community.

April Harkness, Hartland

April Harkness is chairwoman of the Board of Directors of LISTEN Community Services.