Important Fuel Assistance Update
October 27, 2025
1) Only those households experiencing a heating-related emergency will be served by the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) while the shutdown is in place.
Emergencies Include: No heat, A termination notice from a utility, less than 1/8 of a tank of oil, less than three days’ supply of other deliverable fuels
Limited Funding Available starting November 1 Only for Heating Emergencies
2) Standard fuel assistance supports through Valley Opportunity Council are not currently available until the Federal Government shutdown ends and Fuel Assistance funds are restored to the budget
If you believe you are experiencing a heating emergency,
please call 413-552-1548 and a member of our fuel assistance team will assist.
[Western Mass News] SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As we go deeper into fall, heating costs are expected to increase once again. And right now, there is a way for some to get assistance, while the commonwealth looks to do something about this issue.
Melissa White, Director of Programs at Valley Opportunity Council, is interviewed by Western Mass News about the coming heating season.
The Belcher Apartments is a new development located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, offering 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Apartments will be available for households earning less than 30% Area median Income (AMI), less than 50% AMI and 60% AMI as well as households with the ability to pay market rent.
