Some Monroe Families Are Cold Right Now

The weather has been cold in mid-March, and a growing number of Monroe families are hoping sweaters will be warm enough to keep them from turning up the thermostats in their homes. The economy has been as harsh as the conditions outside, making it difficult for a number of people to pay their utility bills.

Monroe offers Project Warmth, an energy assistance program that helps keep the oil, gas and electricity flowing, but Social Services Dir. Barbara Yeager says high demand causes a constant need for donations.

"We've been managing to keep up, but we've been spending more money than ever before," Yeager said Monday.

On average, the town distributes $20,000 annually to residents in need, but Yeager says it's already over $21,000 this year — "and it's only March."

Residents may call utlity companies for winter protection, which prevents their utilities from being shut off, but once spring rolls around, Yeager says the companies expect payment in full.

"We always tell people to pay what you can" so the hit isn't as big in the spring, Yeager said. "We make payments to help, so people don't lose power. Once you lose it, it's even more expensive to turn it back on. We try to prevent that from happening."

The increase in demand for heating and energy assistance is from a combination of things, including unemployment, unemployment benefits that have run out, and from people taking new jobs at significant pay cuts, according to Yeager. 

This demand quickly drains Project Warmth's funding.

"In the early fall we were out of money," Yeager said.

The United Way of Coastal Fairfield County donated $6,000, but Yeager said it was all spent within a month-and-a-half. Then a 5K race through trails at Wolfe Park raised another $5,000.

This Friday a dinner and dance at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms, which will feature a buffet, music and raffles, will raise more money for Project Warmth. The event will be from 7 to 11 p.m.

"A lot of donations have kept us going and hopefully Friday will keep us going through the summer," Yeager said.

'A Fun Night'

Brendan McKeon is co-chairing the dinner/dance with Kim Cassia, elderly services coordinator for the town of Monroe.

"We've had an overwhelming response for ticket sales this year, which has already surpassed last year," McKeon said Monday.

Tickets cost $30 and will still be available at the door on the night of the event and may be purchased in advance at the Monroe Senior Center, the Town Clerk's Office and Last Drop Coffee Shop & Cafe.

The cost of the ticket includes a buffet dinner provided by The Stone Barn, dancing and music from C.J. Sound & Entertainment in Monroe. There will also be a cash bar and proceeds from raffles will benefit Project Warmth.

Yeager said donated raffle prizes include an iPad mini, a foursome of golf, salon items, a Benedict's Home & Garden gift card and gift cards for local restaurants, a family four-pack to a Sound Tigers game and tickets to the Sports Center in Shelton.

Businesses have also been generous with cash donations. According to Yeager, the Sound Tigers and the Port Authority each gave $2,000, Rural Gas $500 and Jensen's Tire & Automotive gave $750.

"We've gotten some big donations," she said. "They help."

There will be no silent auction this year.

More so than then money raised on Friday night, Yeager said the dinner at Stone Barn will provide another opportunity to raise public awareness of the need for energy assistance, leading to future donations.

"It's a fun night," she said.

McKeon asked, "Where else are you gonna get dinner and dancing for 30$ a person?" He also touted the importance of providing funding for Project Warmth.

"This fund is the true spirit of Monroe. It's neighbors helping neighbors in need, and that is what Monroe is all about," McKeon said. "People you think wouldn't need the assistance sometimes need it. People shouldn't have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding the furnace — and people are making those types of decisions every day in Monroe and the surrounding area. I encourage people to come out."