Saugus to broadcast fuel assistance forum on cable

SAUGUS – Despite the decline in oil prices, Selectman Michael Kelleher feels the need for fuel assistance might be even greater given the economy.Kelleher, in conjunction with Darlene Gallant of Lynn Economic Opportunity (LEO), held a forum Friday explaining how families in need could receive fuel assistance. Turnout was low, but Kelleher said that’s not unusual. He said it is often hard for people to admit they need help, especially in person – it’s much easier to make a phone call.Since the number of residents in need surely outnumbers the 10 who attended the event, Kelleher said the program will be aired on Saugus Cable Television, Channel 8, starting this week. It will run at various times throughout the winter.”So people can get the full benefit of the program even if they didn’t go,” he said.The program offers assistance to residents in need of help with gas, oil or electric bills and is all done confidentially. Kelleher said help could come in the form of less expensive rates or extended payment plans, to name a few.Kelleher said he hopes people in need take advantage of the program, especially since it received a boost this year. Not only has LEO received additional grant money but it has also raised the maximum income requirements, allowing more people to apply.Last year, Kelleher said a family of four had to make $29,000 or less in order to be eligible for fuel assistance through LEO, but this year the limit has been raised to $53,000 or less for a family of four.While initial contact and general information could be handled over the phone, Kelleher said those who want help would be required to make an appointment with Gallant for a face-to-face meeting, but everything would remain confidential.Fire Chief James Blanchard said running the program on cable is a smart move.”People are very proud and they might not come forward, even if they really do need help,” he said. “It’s all good information and I’m sure people will take advantage of it.”Blanchard said plans were also in the works to use the Senior Center as a warming station of sorts during extreme weather. He said in the unlikely event that a resident loses their heat, be it for lack of oil delivery or due to a mechanical breakdown, the town would have some place to house them for a night.”It’s like when they have cooling station in the summer when it’s too hot,” he said. “Particularly for people who are down on their luck or on a fixed income because in a prolonged period of cold they will run out of oil.”Kelleher said he has heard people note that oil rates are down, thus eschewing the need for fuel assistance but he said fuel rates are only part of the problem this year.”It’s still relatively high, it’s over $2 a gallon,” he said. “Plus the unemployment rate has almost doubled over this time last year. This program has huge benefits.”