Heating resources?

[hyphenate]

Anyone know of heating resources in Massachusetts other than LIHEAP or Joe for Oil?

It's already been a pretty cold winter, and the LIHEAP oil just ran out. Not that it was a whole lot of help, because we didn't even get a full tank this season, but I am grateful for small favors.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look I'll be getting help from Joe-for-oil either, as their website said they're not accepting any more applications, and I don't have the money to pay for more than 50 gallons of oil, and none of the oil companies will deliver less than 100 gals. at least.

So if anyone knows of any further sources of help, I would appreciate it. As most people know, tomorrow is supposed to be really, really cold, and the rest of the week doesn't look that promising either.

I have one heating unit (one of those "radiator" style heaters), and I've got the oven on to give some help (it's electric), but the prospect of spending the rest of the winter without heat or hot water kind of sucks and doesn't help the fact that I'm not in the best of health to begin with. And facing a high electric bill to compensate doesn't thrill me--setting up a cot in the kitchen has been one of the few thoughts to cross my mind.

So would appreciate any suggestions that might help me to keep from freezing. Thanks!

[Crazy Dave]

1. Fill us in on how great "mandatory health insurance" is helping there too

Since 90% of the democratic politicians and their "fans" think it's the greatest thing in the world.

Seriously, PM me and I'll see if there's something I can do to help.

[debbierlus]

9. Oh, you mean the wet dream of all the private insurers

Who are basically making up the law as they go? And, it doesn't provide any semblance of equal coverage or uniform standards through the industry?

Oh, just wonderfully. So, good, my uncle with cancer still doesn't have health insurance. He is trying to hold off on
getting insurance until he is eligible for Medicare. He could get MA health (state version of Medicare for low income),
but they put a lean on your house & repay the money for your medical care from your home when you die.

So, it is going just wonderfully.

[Hoof Hearted]

2. First of all, I'm sorry you're going through this.

I know at the local Menard's here, they had an infra-red heater that ran on propane, just hooks onto a portable tank.

OOOOoooh! I'm excited! I found one for you for $49!

http://www.heatershop.com/propane_infrared_heaters.html



Not pretty, but very efficient!

I hope this helps. Please take care and stay safe and warm.
:hug:

[BlackVelvet04]

4. We had one of those that my husband used in the basement....

it really puts out the heat.

[hyphenate]

6. Thanks

I will check into it tomorrow when I get up. I'm heading to bed to get under some warm covers.

[Jackpine Radical]

16. Jeez, be careful! I think this device requires a lot of ventilation

because of carbon monoxide. That's why they talk about using in in open spaces like patios & decks.

[Fresh_Start]

3. Found a couple of other resources...

Don't know if you qualify so you'll have to check if you do.
MA Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Action for Boston Community Development

http://www.citizensenergy.com/english/pages/117/massachusettes

[hyphenate]

5. Thanks for those listings

but they're not much help. I don't qualify for either, as I'm in Worcester (the second one) and I do qualify for LIHEAP. It sucks, though, and I am sure I'm only one of many who will suffer because of the assholes in this administration.

[Fresh_Start]

10. do you belong to a church?

if so, they might be able to help.

[hyphenate]

12. Hi--sorry I didn't answer this sooner

No, I don't belong to any church. I know it can help, though, but I'm sure their coffers are fairly empty as well, since this cold snap is making it hard for most of us. My disability check is all I get by on, but I've managed in the past. Once the cold goes, I can do okay--no hot water, though, if I don't have some oil remaining for the rest of the year! My brother is going to show me how to install a tankless water heater, though he says it would only be good for the single faucet I've installing to. I think most of us get used to having hot water, and the thought of not having it is more of a shock than not having heat.

[Fresh_Start]

11. Farmworkers council?

http://www.telegram.com/article/20080119/NEWS/801190337/1101

[hyphenate]

13. Thanks for that link--

I called and left a message--hopefully, they will return my call. I appreciate it. :)

[Kali]

7. be careful using your oven

better to use the stove top with a big pot of water to simmer - adds humidity to the air too.

If you must use the oven - same thing keep a roasting pan with water in there.

bed in the kitchen is a good idea - shut doors or hang blankets

[hyphenate]

15. Thanks for the tips!

I do notice how dry it gets after awhile. That's a good tip.

[Kali]

19. it's actually so you don't burn out the elements

With a gas stove you can leave a top burner exposed but if you run the oven empty for too long it will butn out the thermostat. With electric the elements can burn out. The humidity is a side "benefit".

Good luck.

[debbierlus]

8. Salvation Army has heating help

I think it is up to 300.00, although I don't know if it is for people who don't get regular heating assistance qualify for this aid. Still, it would be worth a call.

[hyphenate]

14. Thanks

That's the "Good Neighbor" program. It's for people who are making too much to be getting fuel assistance like I am. It's for people who are in a bit of a crunch, but not permanently incapable of sustaining themselves like me and other leeches. ;)

[Rosemary2205]

17. Can you find a neighbor who needs 50 gal too?

Perhaps the oil company will deliver 50 to you and 50 to your neighbor and you can split the cost.

My neighbor and I did this with the tree service once. The bulk of the cost is just getting them out here. We had awful ice storms that ruined quite a lot of trees and my neighbor said he owned both houses and wanted both done together. We saved about $500 each by splitting the cost.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

18. This helps...

Symbiosis.

[hyphenate]

20. Yes

That is one of the advantages of a living blanket. With 4 of them, it can get fairly toasty.