By LISA PERKINS
lperkins@record-eagle.com
December 02, 2008 06:19 pm TRAVERSE CITY -- With the reality of another cold northern Michigan winter setting in, the cost of keeping their homes warm is on the minds of many area seniors. In an effort to ease some of their worries, the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has renewed its Energy Assistant Fund for Seniors. "I think people think because the cost of gas is going down, that heating oil prices are going down too, and that is just not the case," said Jeanne Snow, executive director of the foundation that will administer funds to area Commission on Aging offices for distribution. In the fund's first year, 2007, the Community Foundation granted more than $41,000 to provide assistance to households in need. This year, the goal is to raise $50,000 before the end of 2008. All funds raised will again be split equally between each of the county Commission on Aging offices, which will ensure those who need assistance the most will receive it. If the goal of $50,000 is raised, 15-20 households in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties could receive help. "We actually saw a sharp increase in the number of households that needed assistance last year, and this year is no different," said Gay Rowell, director of the Kalkaska County Commission on Aging. "The cost of energy has gotten higher than people ever expected they would see," said Rowell, noting that the commission offices take a look at the income and expenses of each applicant, making sure that those who are most in need receive assistance. "These people have retired with a set income, thinking they would be able to make it, and sometimes they are just not able to keep up," Rowell said. With additional assistance from The Great Lakes Energy People Fund and its local Rotary chapter, as well as its share of the Energy Assistance Fund, Kalkaska's Commission on Aging was able to assist 37 households last year and hopes to be able to do the same this year. "We coordinated with the agencies to be able to provide as much assistance as possible in this time of need," Rowell said. For information, call the Community Foundation at 935-4066. Donations can be sent to the Energy Assistance Fund for Seniors at the Community Foundation, 250 E. Front St., Ste. 310, Traverse City, MI 49684. Donations can be made online at www.4good4ever.org; click on "Donate Online" and select "2008 Energy Assistance Fund for Seniors."
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