Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan hosted a discussion on how Massachusetts families can access federal home heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Trahan was joined bylocal community leaders, including Connie Martin, Division Director of Energy and Community Resources for Community Teamwork; Norma Alvarez, Program Director for LIHEAP at Making Opportunity Count (MOC); Vilma Martinez-Dominguez, Executive Director & CEO of Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. (GLCAC); and Gerald C. Walsh, Energy Services Director at Community Action Inc.

Footage of the conversation can be accessed by clicking HERE or the image below.

“In Congress, I’ve voted for legislation like the American Rescue Plan to increase funding for LIHEAP, and I’ve been fighting tooth and nail to continue to increase funding for this vital program. LIHEAP provides assistance to approximately 6 million families each year – and while that may seem like a lot  – it’s actually only a small slice of eligible families who are eligible to benefit from home heating assistance,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “This winter, $130 million in federal funding has been made available to Massachusetts families, and I want to be sure that everyone who needs help is able to get it. After all, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures like we’ve experienced the last few weeks, the last thing you should have to worry about is keeping your house warm.”

The four local leaders who participated today brought insights from directly helping families in need apply for home heating assistance. They spoke about the work of their programs, the resources currently available, and the best practices for eligible families applying for LIHEAP. 

Trahan voted to expand LIHEAP benefits as part of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and has since continued to fight to secure additional funding for Massachusetts families every winter.

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