Director of Human Services, Barbara Butler, announces the launch of the Westport Warm Up fundraising campaign. This is a collaborative community effort to help qualified residents who receive state heating assistance. The Warm Up Fund gives an extra delivery to provide heat for these vulnerable households. Ms. Butler states that “many of our neighbors are dreading the cost of keeping warm this winter. They know that their income, which barely covers the rising costs of food and housing, will not be enough to pay for heat. These neighbors would need to make difficult choices for themselves and their families without the help of the Westport Warm Up Fund.”
With federal and state energy assistance programs being cut in half and local energy assistance programs having strict income and asset eligibility guidelines, families are struggling to keep the heat on. For the past 11 years the generosity of our friends and neighbors has made it possible for the Westport Warm Up Fund to offer fuel assistance to hundreds of elderly, infirm and disadvantaged members of our community. For those with limited means, high fuel prices often mean the choice between food, medication or fuel. Last winter heating assistance was provided to 270 Westport households.
This year there is good news to meet the increased demand. Westport Warm Up has been offered a Matching Challenge grant from United Way of Coastal Fairfield County.
Community donations can be doubled up to $25,000 to make an even greater impact.
The Warm Up Fund is a collaborative effort between the United Way, the Department of Human Services, the Westport Woman’s Club and the Clergy Association. The first community organization gift was given at the Westport Woman’s Club Holiday luncheon today by President, Mary Lee Clayton. Ms Butler states that “We come together to ensure that no one is left out in the cold. The monies are raised through a direct mailing to all residents in Westport and 100% of all the money raised for the Warm Up Fund goes to those in need.”
Please send your tax deduction gift to the “Westport Warm Up Fund”, Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880
