THE HEAT IS ON

Home: A place where most of us have spent a lot of time these past seven months. While we are doing our part to stop the spread of COVID by staying home, the fact remains that more time at home - be it working remotely or with children home during periods of remote learning - also now means more electricity is used and the heat is turned on more often. Increased electric and heat usage coupled with the impact of COVID on employment is creating an incredible financial burden on many households. WCAC can help. Our home heating assistance is available now and applications are open through the end of April. Whether you are a returning client or someone who finds themselves struggling for the very first time, WCAC is ready to help ensure you and your family stay warm this winter. Read below for details about this week's official kickoff of the statewide home heating program and how to apply.
 
The COVID pandemic has had a compounding effect on households who are also struggling to afford rent or mortgage expenses - leaving many in jeopardy of losing their home. While a statewide moratorium had ensured most evictions couldn't take place through October 17th, now far too many households face seemingly insurmountable past due rent and or mortgages. The state recently announced a new Eviction Diversion program to support those struggling with housing costs. Read below for details to determine if you qualify and how to apply for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) or the Emergency Rental & Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) programs.
 
GOTV: To round out this month's enewsletter, we are highlighting an issue that hits very close to home for me - voting. If you follow WCAC on social media you might have seen my post earlier this week about my grandmother who became a citizen of the United States in her mid-twenties and never missed an opportunity to cast her vote. She never missed a chance to vote in an election and she instilled the same civic responsibility in her children and grandchildren. I look forward to vote at my polling location on November 3rd and I hope you will vote too. Remember, you cast your ballot early by mail or participate in early voting now happening or go to the polls on November 3rd. Your voice matters. Your vote matters.