WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 21, 2019 13
LETTERS AND COMMENTS
BE KIND AND
CHARITABLE THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON
As we begin another holiday
season, we should all refl ect
on what it means to be kind to
others, as well as trying to help those
who are less fortunate.
It does not take much to smile at
people when we are walking down
the street, even to say hello. Also,
the number of destitute and homeless
families in the city has surged
dramatically over the last several
years. These people need more assistance,
especially during the holiday
season.
While there are those who are
fortunate enough to be in a good
situation, the majority of homeless
people are very sincerely asking for
help, because they really do need it.
Many organizations have food and
coat drives at this time of the year
to help those in need, which is very
wonderful. The FDNY and NYPD
also have many activities for those
who are less fortunate, and also visit
hospitals to bring holiday cheer and
goodwill to those who are sick.
There are many wonderful organizations
that work very hard to bring
holiday cheer to all New Yorkers,
and they are all to be commended
for their wonderful, dedicated work.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year
to all!
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
SNAPS
HEAP can help you
stay warm this winter
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OP-ED
BY MIKE MILLER
New Yorkers are no strangers to
the frigid temperatures, lakeeffect
storms and walloping
Nor’easters that defi ne winter here in
the Empire State. Whether upstate or
downstate, we aren’t fazed by slushcovered
streets and subway entrances
or the occasional moose crossing on a
county road.
For new residents, that fi rst winter
can certainly be a rude awakening. But
once the snow begins to thaw in March
— or April, let’s be honest — braving the
cold weather will begin to seem more
like a badge of honor. New Yorkers
are tough, but the reality is that many
families need a little assistance to stay
warm during the winter months. That’s
where resources like the Home Energy
Assistance Program (HEAP) come in.
HEAP is a federally funded program
that helps renters and homeowners
keep their homes warm by covering
the costs of electricity, wood, kerosene,
coal, oil, propane, natural gas or other
heating fuels. The program also offers
funds to eligible families for any
repairs and necessary home-heating
equipment.
The application for regular HEAP
benefi ts is now open. Eligibility for
the program is based on income, household
size, primary heating source and
whether a member of the household
is under the age of 6, over the age of
60 or permanently disabled, with applications
for assistance accepted on a
fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis.
This year, a family of four that has
a household income of up to $4,797 a
month may qualify for help and each
household can receive up to $726 in
assistance. Applications for an extra
emergency benefi t open on Jan. 2, 2020,
and are available to households that
are in danger of having their service
shut off or have run out of fuel.
As energy costs rise, heating can
become a burden for families with
low or fi xed incomes. For those facing
extreme temperatures, that could
mean dire consequences. HEAP is a
necessary resource for low-income
families and senior citizens who rely
on the assistance to keep them warm
during these cold winter months. In
the Assembly, I’ll continue fi ghting
to make life more aff ordable for New
Yorkers so that no one is forced to go
without life’s necessities.
To learn more or to apply for HEAP,
you can visit www.mybenefi ts.ny.gov.
For more information regarding HEAP
benefi ts in New York City, visit www.
nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/energy.
shtml or call 1-800-692-0557.
As your assemblyman, your health
and safety is important to me. I encourage
anyone who needs assistance to
apply for HEAP. As always, please feel
free to contact me with questions about
this or any community issue at 718-805-
0950 or millermg@nyassembly.gov.
Mike Miller is the assemblyman for
the 38th District.
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