Long Island is set to see some of its coldest weather in years this week.

Bitter temperatures arrived Wednesday from the Midwest and it will only get colder throughout the week. High temperatures for Wednesday were in the 20s, with wind chills in the single digits.

On Thursday, highs will be around 20 degrees with wind chills near zero. Another dose of frigid weather on Friday will likely see sub-zero wind chills at times.Long Islanders are advised to wear extra layers of clothing to try to stay warm and to check up on neighbors or family members who may be affected by the weather.

With the economy taking its toll on many Long Islanders? wallets, this year some residents are struggling even more to pay to keep their homes heated. Officials say they?re expecting a record number of applicants to the HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), between 20 and 35 percent more than last year.

For those who qualify, the assistance grants can be as high as a couple of thousand dollars. However, this year the state increased income limits allowing more people to qualify for the grant.

There?s also United Way?s Project Warmth, which gives grants for home heating to people who are ineligible or have exhausted their HEAP benefits. The homeless are also in jeopardy during the bitter cold weather. Police and volunteers are out looking for anyone who needs a warm place to stay, especially at night.

Click for tips on keeping your car running in the cold

Nassau County HEAP - 516-565-4327Suffolk County HEAP 631-853-8828Nassau County emergency shelters - 1-866-WARM-BEDSuffolk County emergency shelters - 631-854-9100Project Warmth - 631-940-3700