Local Hero: WCAC Fuel Assistance Team Helps With Soaring Energy Bills

WORCESTER, MA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Ellen Ganley who nominated WCAC Fuel Assistance Team of Worcester.

Local hero’s full name WCAC Fuel Assistance Team
Local hero’s home state Massachusetts
Local hero’s Patch Worcester
How do you know the local hero? Co-workers

What does the local hero do?
Administer the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also known as fuel assistance

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?
They are an incredibly compassionate, hard working, dedicated group of individuals. Our agency has seen an increase of more than 200% in new applications from households in need since September! We received more than 7,000 applications in just six short weeks - and the mail and phone calls have not stopped! The winter ahead will prove highly challenging for many given escalating costs for utility and home heating resources. Our team is dedicated to processing applications as quickly as possible and serving as many households in our service area as possible.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?
Despite the challenges the public may have in getting through to our office, be assured our team is working diligently to respond to all inquiries and process applications as soon as possible. We understand the incredible anxiety the public is experiencing and we will be there to support those in need! Thank you for all you do, WCAC Fuel Assistance Team!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a hero.