Maine Fuel Fund Keeps 9 Families Warm This Winter

When heating oil runs low and government assistance isn't enough, families in Vassalboro, Maine, have a lifeline that's kept nine households warm since October.

The Vassalboro Ministry Association Fuel Fund steps in where other programs can't reach. Rose Fortin, the fund's president, explains they help families who don't qualify for government programs, who've used up their LIHEAP benefits, or who just need a temporary hand.

The process is simple and confidential. Families call Fortin or fellow volunteer Eileen Ronco, answer a few qualifying questions, and the fund arranges delivery directly with local fuel dealers. They provide 100 gallons of heating oil or equivalent amounts of kerosene, propane, pellets, or firewood.

Fortin urges families not to wait until tanks run dry. "If your tank is less than a quarter full and you really need help, that's the time to call," she says. Deliveries take several days to arrange, especially during cold snaps when companies are busiest.

The assistance won't carry a family through an entire Maine winter, but it gives them breathing room to figure out next steps. That doubling of fuel from the original 50 gallons when the fund started shows how generous donors have expanded their reach.

The Ripple Effect

What began in 2008 as a church-affiliated program now stands independently, though it still receives support from multiple Vassalboro congregations. The United Methodist Church hosts their monthly meetings and fundraisers, including an annual spaghetti supper planned for late March or early April.

The fund operates entirely on donations to its 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning every dollar goes directly to keeping families warm. They're working on adding online donation options to their Facebook page to make giving even easier.

They also need more hands on deck. Volunteers help organize fundraising events and spread the word about available help. Anyone interested can call Fortin or Ronco to learn about the next monthly meeting.

For families choosing between heat and other necessities, this community safety net could mean the difference between a warm home and a dangerous situation.