The Mountaineer

With temperatures hovering in the 30s Monday morning, nearly 50 people in need of heating assistance bundled up and waited for several hours outside of Haywood Christian Ministry for help. 

The nonprofit organization started its annual heating assistance program Nov. 2. Each year, those who struggle to pay for heating oil come to Haywood Christian Ministry to get help, lining up as early as 6 a.m. For some, it was the first time they sought help.

Dawn was first in line Monday. (As a domestic violence victim with a restraining order, Dawn did not want to be identified by last name.) With a 3-year-old and an empty oil tank, Dawn needed help staying warm this winter.

“My tank was gurgling and I have a 3-year-old and no money to buy heating oil,” Dawn said. “I work part time and it’s not enough to make ends meet.”

This is the first time Dawn has sought help from Haywood Christian Ministry. She said it was a change in her personal circumstances that caused money to be tight this winter. She faced domestic abuse and a recent divorce, and with her recent move into a new place, Dawn said it took all her money to get re-established in a new home.

“I just now got in my own place and I couldn’t swing the cost of heating oil (because the expense of deposits for the house and utilities),” Dawn said. “I’m just glad the Lord is here.”

Lisa James, executive director of Haywood Christian Ministry, said her agency was able to help 90 people on Monday and an additional 50 on Tuesday. James said $27,000 was spent on Monday for heating oil, with funds coming from an oil company grant and proceeds from the organization’s annual golf tournament.

“We have a lot of unemployed people, people with small children who are not getting child support because a parent is unemployed,” James said. “There are a lot of senior citizens who are struggling with everything going up in costs.”

Since the price of oil has gone down from last year, James said she was able to help more people this year. Last year, Haywood Christian Ministry could only help 65 people on the first day. Families can receive up to 100 gallons of oil in this program.

For Sharon Conard, 41, of Bethel, getting heating oil assistance was critical.

“I’m raising my granddaughter and I have no oil,” said Conard, who is disabled and lives on a fixed income. “It’s been pretty rough. Worse than last year. A lot worse.”

Conard said she has seen an increase in costs, making it difficult to provide for herself and her 5-year-old granddaughter. She is thankful Haywood Christian Ministry can help.

“I think it’s good (the program),” Conard said. “I don’t think a lot of people would make it without it, especially the elderly. I don’t care about myself as long as my baby’s warm. I’m just glad they help everybody.”

James said once the November money is out, her agency will not be able to help until December.

“It will be Dec. 1 before we will be able to do any more oil,” James said.

The agency can accept donations for heating oil, in addition to donations of blankets, coats and food.

“We’re running low right now and we’re always short of food,” James said. “All would be wonderful right now.”

Volunteers are also in need at Haywood Christian Ministry. James said anyone who has extra time on his or her hands can volunteer.

Mountain Projects is another county agency that provides heating assistance. Right now, the agency has no money available for heating, said Patsy Dowling, executive director.

“We have not received an allocation since August,” Dowling said. “Traditionally in the fall we do receive an allocation. I e-mailed the state two weeks ago to remind them it is getting cold here, and I haven’t received a response. Traditionally, we are able to start before Haywood Christian Ministry, but this year, we’ll start helping the minute we get money.”

Last year, Mountain Projects spent $565,000 on heating assistance. This year, Dowling said, the agency has received $70,000 so far. That money was spent soon after it was received helping those with medical issues stay cool in the summer heat. Dowling said the funds can be used year round for those with life threatening medical conditions, even in the warmer months when the temperature is predicted to go above 90.

In addition to a delay in funds, Dowling said the amount households can receive in a year has been reduced from $600 to $400.

Until additional allocations for heating assistance are received, Dowling said donations are being accepted for the Share the Warmth program. It was started last year to supplement heating assistance allocations. Last year, $35,000 was raised for Share the Warmth.

Those wishing to help can make donations to Share the Warmth at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Road, Waynesville, 452-1447.

Those wishing to provide assistance to Haywood Christian Ministry can do so at 150 Branner Ave., Waynesville, or call 456-4838.