CHERRYFIELD, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- Low income families in Hancock and Washington counties who rely on heating assistance did not get appointments to sign up for aid mailed to them this year.
Washington Hancock Community Agency Executive Director Mark Green said these changes were made because WHCA is trying to cut costs and be more efficient. Green said in previous years about 15 to 20 percent of people who received mailings would not show up to their scheduled appointment and it cost WHCA about $10,000 to mail the notices.
"We were having workers waiting for people to show up for their appointments, unfortunately they didn't make it. We're hoping that if people actually schedule them themselves through telephone calls they will be more likely to show up and that mean there's more money for heating assistance and not for administration which is our goal," Green said.
Green said people can schedule an appointment for heating assistance until April 30 of 2013. Here are the phone numbers to call. If you live in Hancock county call 664-2424, and if you live in Washington County call 546-7544.
NEWS CENTER