MONITOR YOUR HOME HEATING FUEL. During peak home heating season, home heating oil deliveries require a minimum of one if not two weeks' notice for delivery. Do not expect delivery with a one- or two-day notice. Stay warm and monitor your fuel levels carefully. Elder and disabled Vermonters who need assistance with fuel can call our helpline 800-642-5119.
Fuel and
Community Resources
Struggling to keep up with heating costs? You’re not alone—help is available.
Vermont’s Fuel Assistance program helps eligible households cover home heating expenses, whether you rent or own your home. This support can be used for oil, propane, wood, pellets, electricity, and more.
If your income meets certain guidelines, you may qualify—and applying is easy. In fact, you can apply for Fuel Assistance and 3SquaresVT at the same time using one form.
Our team is here to help. If you have questions or need support with your application, call us at 800-642-5119 or email info@nekcouncil.org.
Help Us to Keep Others Warm
Each year, many contribute to our fund for emergency food and fuel that helps older residents living in the Northeast Kingdom. Still others donate handmade quilts, afghans and scarves that are distributed every December to elder Vermonters of modest means.
To find out how you, your service club, co-workers, or crafts group can be a part of this tradition of kindness, please call 1-800-642-5119 or send us an e-mail: info@NEKCouncil.org .
Legal Services
Vermont Legal Aid is where Vermonters turn when they face a civil legal problem that threatens their rights, shelter, job, health or well-being.
They strive to advance fairness and justice in the civil legal system, address the social and economic interests of our clients, and confront the underlying causes of poverty, discrimination and inequality.
The VT Department of Aging and Independent Living contracts with Vermont Legal Aid to operate the
Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (SLTCOP). The SLTCOP is charged with protecting the safety, welfare and rights of Vermonters in nursing homes, residential care homes, and people using Choices for Care home and community-based services. An Ombudsman’s primary responsibility is to investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of individuals. They also provide information and consultations to individuals, family members, providers, the public, and other community partners.
Adult Day Centers
The Riverside Life Enrichment Center
The Riverside Life Enrichment Center, in Lyndonville, is a non-profit Adult Day Health Services Program providing day services to the elders and adults who are disabled of the Northeast Kingdom. Their program offers support to allow adults to remain in their homes and communities while also giving needed respite to family and other caregivers. They offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of everyone in attendance, including: health monitoring, nursing services, exercise-therapy, recreational and social activities, coordination of support services, transportation and a safe and healthy environment. Call (802) 626-3900.
The Meeting Place
The Meeting Place, in Newport, provides loved ones with personalized care in an engaging, home-like setting. Attendees enjoy opportunities to socialize with friends, participate in activities, obtain a nutritious meal, and perhaps join in a field trip. The Meeting Place is a safe, friendly space with attendees cared for by trained, on-site nursing staff.
Vermont HEAT Squad
The Vermont HEAT Squad is a service of NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, dedicated to helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and safety of their homes. Serving multiple counties, including Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia, the program offers comprehensive support for energy-related home improvements.
Services Offered
Energy Audits: Affordable assessments to identify areas where your home is losing energy and recommend improvements.
Project Coordination
Guidance through the process of implementing energy-saving measures, from start to finish.
Financing Options
Access to low-interest loans and assistance in securing rebates to make energy upgrades more affordable.
Contractor Referrals
Connections to trusted, certified contractors to perform recommended improvements.
Benefits
Cost Savings: Homeowners can save an average of 30% on heating and cooling costs.
Improved Comfort
Enhancements like better insulation and air sealing lead to a more comfortable living environment.
Health and Safety
Upgrades can improve indoor air quality and address potential health hazards.
Contact Information
Phone: 802-438-2303
Email: info@heatsquad.org
Address: 110 Marble Street, West Rutland, VT 05777
For more information or to schedule an energy audit, reach out to the HEAT Squad team.
Community Resources:
3SquaresVT
3SquaresVT
Helps you stretch your food budget so you can put three healthy meals on your table every day.
Essential Person
Helps you stay in your home by contributing to the cost of having someone live with you to provide essential care.
Reach Up
Reach Up
Joins families on their journey to overcome obstacles, explore opportunities, improve their finances and reach their goals.
Vermont Food Bank
Vermont Food Bank
The mission of the Vermont Food Bank is to gather and share quality food and nurture partnerships so that no one in Vermont will go hungry.