Preparing Philly seniors for cold weather as heating costs strain budgets | Local News | phillytrib.com – The Philadelphia Tribune

Preparing Philly seniors for cold weather as heating costs strain budgets | Local News | phillytrib.com  The Philadelphia Tribune

As temperatures drop, city agencies and local organizations are helping Philadelphia’s older adults prepare for colder weather with heating assistance, energy-saving tips and resources to keep their homes warm and Southwest Senior Center adults gather to do many types of programming year round, including pottery. As temperatures drop, city agencies and local organizations are helping Philadelphia’s older adults prepare for colder weather with heating assistance, energy-saving tips and resources to keep their homes warm and utility bills manageable. Reneé C. Cunningham, executive director of Center in the Park, said the organization receives numerous requests for emergency utility assistance during the fall and winter, particularly from residents who need help paying for heating oil.

“We still have a lot of large homes here that use oil heat, so many older adults seek assistance paying for heating oil,” she said. Through its Neighborhood Energy Center, Center in the Park helps residents apply for assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, commonly known as LIHEAP. “We also have limited grant funding to help restore utility service or cover emergency heating oil needs,” Cunningham said. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging also helps older adults cover heating expenses through its emergency fund, which provides financial assistance for heating oil and utility-related crises. To qualify, applicants must be at least 60, live in Philadelphia