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Winter arrives in Mifflin and Juniata counties, bringing freezing temperatures and increasing energy bills. Many residents will struggle to heat their homes, but help exists through two established programs: LIHEAP and the MJ Energy Bank.
The numbers paint a clear picture – energy costs continue to rise while fixed incomes remain static. Senior citizens on limited budgets face impossible choices between heat, food, and medicine. Working families stretch paychecks to cover basic needs. No one should freeze in their home when assistance programs stand ready to help.
LIHEAP opened applications in early November, providing cash benefits, crisis payments, and weatherization assistance to qualifying households. The locally-funded MJ Energy Bank begins accepting applications on Nov. 18, offering aid regardless of income level through March.
The process requires effort – gathering documents, making phone calls, and completing interviews. But the reward outweighs the paperwork: warmth through winter months. Pride should never prevent anyone from seeking available help.
For those who qualify, accessing both programs creates a more comprehensive safety net. LIHEAP provides initial support, while the MJ Energy Bank can assist with additional needs, especially for residents 65 and older.
The community bears responsibility, too. The MJ Energy Bank runs entirely on local donations, primarily through February's Walk for Warmth event. When neighbors help neighbors, everyone benefits. Consider contributing to ensure the program continues serving our most vulnerable residents.
For households above income limits or those seeking to reduce energy costs, these proven conservation methods can lower bills:
Immediate Impact:
– Lower thermostat settings 10 degrees when sleeping or away
– Close off unused rooms
– Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air down
– Open curtains on sunny days, close them at night
– Use door draft stoppers
– Wear warm layers indoors
Low-Cost Solutions:
– Install programmable thermostats
– Add weatherstripping around doors and windows
– Seal air leaks around pipes and vents
– Clean furnace filters monthly
– Insulate water heaters
– Use LED light bulbs
– Apply window insulation film
Long-Term Investments:
– Add attic and wall insulation
– Replace old windows
– Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
– Schedule annual furnace maintenance
– Install storm doors
Additional Money-Saving Steps:
– Enroll in budget billing through utility companies
– Ask about payment assistance programs
– Schedule energy audits
– Research tax credits for efficiency upgrades
– Consider wood stoves or pellet stoves as supplemental heat
The time to act arrives before the first deep freeze. Contact Mifflin Juniata Human Services at (717) 447-5121 starting Nov. 18 to apply for MJ Energy Bank assistance. Submit LIHEAP applications through COMPASS or county assistance offices.
Required documents include:
– Social Security cards for all household members
– Photo IDs for residents 18 and older
– 90 days of income records
– 30 days of expense records
– LIHEAP application verification
– Lease copy for renters
– Shutoff notices, if applicable
Those able to donate can send contributions to:
United Way of Mifflin-Juniata
13 East Third Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
(Mark "MJ Energy Bank" on the memo line)
Mark your calendar for the Walk for Warmth fundraiser on Feb. 8 at Kish Park. Your participation helps fund next year's assistance.
Winter in central Pennsylvania brings enough challenges without worrying about heating costs. The programs and resources exist – use them. Help your neighbors access them. Support the organizations providing them. Together, we can ensure everyone stays warm this winter.
Start preparing now. Check your home for efficiency improvements. Gather documents for assistance applications. Research available programs. Winter weather waits for no one – neither should you.
Remember: Every dollar saved through conservation equals another dollar for other necessities. Every donation to energy assistance programs helps another family stay warm. Every person who accesses available help strengthens our community's resilience against winter's challenges.
Don't let pride, procrastination, or paperwork prevent you from seeking help. The programs exist because they're needed. Using them ensures they continue. Supporting them guarantees they'll remain available for future winters.
Stay warm, stay safe, and help others do the same.