Many Long Islanders struggle to keep heat on as cold temps set in
Baird-Streeter added that HEAP is especially vital on Long Island, where the cost of living, including utilities, remains high.
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As cold temperatures settle in across Long Island, many residents are struggling to keep their homes warm — and delays with the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) have only added to the stress.
Quanisha Chambers says she has relied on HEAP benefits for several years to keep her home heated during the winter. But when the program’s application opening was delayed, her family grew concerned.
“It was a little bit rough. We had to turn on the stove to heat up a little bit. Other than that, we made it through,” Chambers said.
She added that the program has significantly eased the financial burden of heating her home.
“It has helped tremendously," Chambers said. "The expense is really high, and it helps to have HEAP.”
Chambers works at Angels of Long Island, a nonprofit that has been distributing heaters to families in need as temperatures continue to drop.
The HEAP application finally opened on Monday, but many Long Islanders attempting to apply were met with an error message.
“We need heat for our young children. We have some people that can’t provide heat. Children need that heat, and without it, it would be hard to survive out here,” Chambers said.
The program was originally slated to open in November, but the federal government shutdown pushed the launch to December, creating a backlog of applicants.
“That’s an overwhelming burden on your local Department of Social Services because now they have all these applications coming in,” said Vanessa Baird-Streeter, president of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island. “Starting on Dec. 1, how are they going to expedite those applications so people will have access to the benefit?”
Baird-Streeter added that HEAP is especially vital on Long Island, where the cost of living, including utilities, remains high.
“Our utilities are expensive. Our natural gas is expensive. Oil is expensive. Any benefit that can subsidize those costs is needed in the Long Island region,” she said.
News 12 has reached out to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance about the website issues but has not yet heard back.
