MANKATO, Minn. -
It won't be long until the leaves covering the ground are replaced with snow, the lakes freeze over, and many people across the state will start to worry about paying their heating bills.
MVAC HousingServices Director Judd Schultz says, "We get a lot of comments about I had to choose, am I going to pay my heat, am I going to buy groceries, or am I going to buy my medicine?"
That is where the Minnesota Valley Action Council comes in; every winter they help thousands of people pay their home heating and energy bills.
((STANDUP: Eligibility depends on your household size and your gross income for the pervious 3 months. If you live by yourself you had to have made less than around $1,900 a month, for a family of 4, less than around $3,600.))
"It can take away some of that worry of keeping that heat on and keeping your place warm over the winter, provide you some budget relief so you can put that money other places."
The agency, which coordinates the energy assistance program for eight counties around Mankato, served over 6,500 households last year and has received over 4,500 applications so far this year.
"The problem is, is right now we haven't received any money yet from the federal government, or the state hasn't, so we are still waiting on that."
Last year, $2.9 million was allocated to the council, and they hope to receive a similar amount this year.
"If people have applied we are getting to those application, the money is coming, it will get there eventually, so take faith in that, and if you haven't applied make sure and get that application in."
Even on the coldest days and darkest days, there is warmth in Minnesota.
For more information on what assistance is available if you apply call 507-345-6822 or 1-800-767-7139, or go to www.mnvac.org.
