Home Heating Help For Tri-State Residents

(Jersey City - WABC, January 4, 2006) (WABC) -- It's that time of year, when you want to crank up the thermostat to guard against the cold weather. But the high cost of heat has many people struggling to pay the bills.

Now there is new help for New Jersey residents.

New Jersey reporter Jen Maxfield is live in Jersey City with the story.

The program is called New Jersey SHARES and it's designed to help people who are on fixed incomes or who have lost their jobs stay warm this winter.

Yesterday we saw the first snow storm of 2006 but the coldest days of winter are yet to come. New Jersey residents concerned about paying their heating bills are getting a helping hand.

Gov. Richard Codey: "All the predictions are for a cold winter and there's a huge spike in the cost of heating homes."

Governor Codey has announced $2.5 million for state funding for the New Jersey SHARES assistance program, which provides grants for families who don't qualify for federal aid.

Families who can prove they're in financial crisis can get a one time payment of $250 for heating and electric bills, or $500 for a home with electric heat. It's money that Laverne Washington says she could use.

Laverne Washington, Jersey City Resident: "There's a lot of people that need help here, working people. It's hard right now."

If you think you qualify you will have to show proof of financial hardship, and you cannot qualify for any other heating assistance programs.

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