January 15, 2021
MILLBURY, MASSACHUSETTS — In time for the home heating season, bankHometown has contributed an additional $25,000 to its fuel assistance program for Millbury and Sutton residents, a fund first established by Millbury Savings Bank in 2005 to help low-income families pay their home energy costs. With the 2019 merger of bankHometown and Millbury Savings, the additional contribution demonstrates bankHometown’s continued commitment to the program and brings total contributions to $405,000.
“Marking its 17th year, our fuel assistance program is critical to helping local families meet the high cost of heating their homes,” said bankHometown President and CEO Robert J. Morton. “We’re pleased to continue funding this important program for our neighbors in need.”
The fund will provide fuel assistance to households in Millbury and Sutton that meet federal guidelines for low-income individuals. For qualifying applicants, bankHometown will pay $350 for oil, natural gas, or electric directly to the energy supplier. Last winter, nearly 60 local families received assistance.
Eligible properties include owner-occupied, single-family residences or apartments. Ineligible properties include subsidized housing, multi-family housing producing rental income (even if owner-occupied), and apartments that include heat as part of the rent.
The program will be administered by both the Millbury and Sutton Senior Centers and will end March 31. To apply or to determine if you are eligible, contact one of the program’s coordinators: Judith O’Connor, Millbury Senior Center, 1 River Street, (508) 865-9247, or Michelle Edelstein, Sutton Senior Center, 19 Hough Road, (508) 234-0703.
In the Photo
bankHometown Vice President and Branch Officer Christine M. Lucier and President and CEO Robert J. Morton with Judith O’Connor, director of the Millbury Senior Center. O’Connor along with Michelle Edelstein (not pictured) of the Sutton Senior Center help administer bankHometown’s fuel assistance program for Millbury and Sutton residents.
