By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN — For many people, winter is a season of holiday celebrations and summer means fun in the sun and beaches.

For those struggling to make budgetary ends meet, staying warm and keeping cool can be a major challenge.

Those in low-income communities struggling with inefficient, unreliable or unsafe home heating and cooling systems face the stress of increased energy expenses and extreme home temperatures.

First State Community Action Agency’s H.E.L.P. Program, a state-funded initiative started in 2015, was designed to alleviate the burdens of increased energy costs and health risks related to use of supplemental heating and cooling sources within homes.

“As much as the program has grown, there are not a lot of people who are aware of the services that we offer,” said H.E.L.P program manager Tosajhn Hughes. “We want to help as many people in the state of Delaware as possible.”

Mr. Hughes said that many times people try to handle these tasks on their own.

“And it can be pretty steep as far as financial aspects of it. For individuals with inefficient or inoperable heating and cooling units, substitutes such as space heaters and fans can drive energy costs through the roof,” Mr. Hughes said. “Oftentimes to sustain a comfortable temperature in the home, people are forced to use these devices continuously each day. Those days add up.”

This culminates in energy costs that can place further pressure on families already experiencing financial strain.

“What we have noticed is that a lot of people are using complementary heating sources that you wouldn’t use on a daily basis. They do expose and present extreme dangerous situations, especially with folks who are not just using space heaters but using kerosene heaters,” said Mr. Hughes.

First State’s RRHACE (Replacing, Repairing Heaters & Conserving Energy) program provides furnace repair and replacement assistance to qualified individuals throughout the state of Delaware. Individuals who own a home in need of furnace repair or replacement are encouraged to apply online (https://www.jotform.com/team/232606932367056/rrhace) or in person at a First State office.

The SCAP (Summer Cooling Assistance Program) provides qualified households with an energy-efficient room-sized air conditioning unit installed by licensed and insured contractors beginning in May.

Income requirements to qualify for the H.E.L.P. program are that individuals are at or below the 200% poverty guidelines, Mr. Hughes said.

For a one-person household, that is about $29,000 a year, $40,000 for a two-person household, with a $10,000 increase for each additional person in the household.

For the heating program, an individual must occupy the residence and own the home.

The AC program allows for home ownership or renting. “If you rent, you just have to get authorization from your landlord to have the unit installed,” Mr. Hughes said.

There will be an intake process for all individuals.

In addition to furnace repair or replacement or installation of a room-sized air conditioning unit, qualified households receive customized energy education and an eco-kit comprised of energy-saving items.

First State administers the RRHACE and SCAP programs with Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, funding under contract with the state of Delaware, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of State Services Centers. Program participation is contingent upon household eligibility and availability of funds.

For additional information, contact H.E.L.P. program managers, Hristina Ferracci (302-856-7761 ext. 122 / hferracci@firststatecaa.org) or Tosajhn Hughes (302-856-7761 ext. 109 / thughes@firststatecaa.org).