A provincial program that helps people pay for home heating has received $500,000 in applications in the first ten days of 2024, after seeing record-high demand last year.
“I’m really hoping it’s a mild winter, but it just shows the need that’s out there,” said John Burton of the Salvation Army, which administers the provincially-funded program.
“Everybody needs to be warm. That’s a basic human need.”
The Home Heating Program gives eligible Islanders up to $1,200 per calendar year, meaning anyone who applied in the fall is now eligible for more money.
Funding is available to individuals making up to $45,000 per year and families making up to $60,000. It can be used toward heat sources like oil, wood, wood pellets and electricity.
