Lafourche Community Action offering relief from cold temperatures

It’s time again for the Lafourche Parish Government Office of Community Action’s winter service program for the less fortunate residents of Lafourche Parish.

The parish service received an additional $10,000 to provide help through the 2006-07 winter months with the Community Service Winter Relief program. The program will provide heaters and blankets to qualifying applicants.

“Many of the low-income residents of our parish cannot afford central air and heating in their homes,” said Denise Hughes, executive director of Community Action.

Hughes explained that some participants in Community Action programs have no way to heat their homes, and this service would provide them with the means to do so. According to Community Action representatives, the number of calls from the public needing assistance tends to increase during the winter months as temperatures drop.

“Community Action does a fantastic job,” said Parish President Charlotte Randolph. “This additional funding will allow the program to address the increased need for services at this time of the year.”

This is the second year in which the Lafourche Parish Government and the parish council have provided this increase funding to Community Action. In 2005 funds were made available to provide low-income families with heating assistance at the end of the year.

“We are so appreciative of President Randolph and our councilmen for finding funding for us again this year,” said Hughes.

Citizens wishing to apply should contact their local Community Action office to begin the application process. Applicants should have proof of income available for the application process.

The Winter Relief program is open to any low-income citizens, but priority will be given to elderly residents and families with small children, Hughes said.

There are three Community Action offices in Lafourche Parish. For more information, contact Stephanie Washington at the Thibodaux office, (985) 446-6731; Erica Adams at the Raceland office, (985) 537-7603; or Robin C. Cheramie at the Galliano office, (985) 632-3989.

Sophia Ruffin can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or sophia@tri-parishtimes.com