Mass.'s largest fuel assistance program seeing unprecedented demand

BOSTON — Massachusett's largest fuel assistance program is seeing unprecedented demand very early in the winter season.

ABCD said the extended cold snap created high call volume from people needing help paying for fuel just to stay warm. The organization said they're fielding hundreds of calls daily.

"We are getting hundreds of calls from people, one who have exhausted their fuel assistance benefits and two who have yet to apply. So we are working as best as we can. We are serving anybody who walks in the door," said Kathy Tobin, ABCD Energy Programs director.

Usually people haven't exhausted their assistance funds until closer to the end of winter.

Some of the clients said they are feeling desperate.

"I don't like taking it, but I can't get along without it.," said Patrick Crowley of Mattapan.

ABCD had all hands on deck working Wednesday ahead of the snow. It doesn't want people to resort to unsafe measures in order to stay warm.

ABCD's program is available to homeowners and renters. Click here to learn more. 

Cox Media Group