Crisis Is Feared
‘Shareheat’ Has $92,000 Match

With fuel prices at record levels and community action agencies facing a flood of requests for assistance, Central Vermont Public Service kicked off its 21st annual Shareheat Fund drive by announcing a new partnership with Vermont businesses.

"Low-income Vermonters are at risk like no time since Shareheat began," CVPS President Bob Young said. "So for the first time, we are proud to welcome Vermont Country Store, VSECU and Omya as Shareheat business partners. These companies have pledged considerable resources to create Shareheat’s largest matching dollar incentive ever—$92,000."

Along with $60,000 contributed by CVPS shareholders, Vermont Country Store has given $10,000, and VSECU and Omya have each contributed $7,500. Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) has also pledged $2,000, and an anonymous matching donation of $5000 boosts the total to $92,000.

The business partnership was created to leverage the business community’s support, while enticing more individuals to donate to Shareheat. Approximately 1,200 businesses, individuals and organizations contribute to Shareheat annually, which in turn provides assistance to about 1,000 Vermont families each heating season.

Pam Shambo, development director at a community action office which serves Rutland and Bennington counties, said her office had been swamped by Vermonters overwhelmed by fuel oil and propane prices, which have jumped markedly this year.

"It’s unbelievable how many people need help with their fuel bills this year," said Shambo, a veteran of low-income assistance.

Particularly troubling, she said, is minimum delivery requirements often in place.

"If you have to buy a hundred gallons of fuel to get a delivery, for many low-income people that is out of the question," Shambo said.

"Shareheat is successful year after year, because of its collective approach—and we’re aiming to take it to the next level this year," said Ann Warrell, CVPS Shareheat coordinator. "We urge anyone who can to contribute today and double the impact of their donation through the Shareheat match. It’s a working example of community-based assistance that truly makes a difference."

Every dollar donated to Shareheat goes directly to heating assistance through the five community action agencies operating within the CVPS service territory, which covers two-thirds of the state. Each donation is directed back to the donor’s community.

Contributions to Shareheat should be mailed to: CVPS Shareheat Fund, 77 Grove Street, Rutland, Vt. 05701. Checks should be made payable to the CVPS Shareheat Fund, and should be written out separately from CVPS bill payments.