Despite tough economy, organization continues to help residents pay bills
BOISE - Retired seamstress Carol Bly and her poodle, Peaches are going to need more than her hand-sewed quilts to keep warm this winter.
Bly's husband passed away this year, making it her first season paying the bills alone.
To survive the cold winter months, Bly applies for funding with her local community action network. She gets about $100 to last her through the entire winter.
"That gives me an extra boost in the winter time when the electricity is really high," Bly said.
But in this tough economy, the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho served about 45,000 homes last year. This year, it's expecting to serve 55,000 - with less money from Washington to cover the demand.
"It will mean lower benefits because we're trying to serve more people," said Christina Zamora, energy programs coordinator for the association.
Zamora says the assistance each family receives depends on household income. A family of four can qualify if they make less than $3,028 a month. Individuals can't earn more than $1,575 to qualify.
"(I might have to ask) one of my children, or all of my children to pitch in a couple dollars to help," Bly said.
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For information on the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho click HERE
Bly's husband passed away this year, making it her first season paying the bills alone.
To survive the cold winter months, Bly applies for funding with her local community action network. She gets about $100 to last her through the entire winter.
"That gives me an extra boost in the winter time when the electricity is really high," Bly said.
But in this tough economy, the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho served about 45,000 homes last year. This year, it's expecting to serve 55,000 - with less money from Washington to cover the demand.
"It will mean lower benefits because we're trying to serve more people," said Christina Zamora, energy programs coordinator for the association.
Zamora says the assistance each family receives depends on household income. A family of four can qualify if they make less than $3,028 a month. Individuals can't earn more than $1,575 to qualify.
"(I might have to ask) one of my children, or all of my children to pitch in a couple dollars to help," Bly said.
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For information on the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho click HERE
