Self Help, Inc.'s fuel assistance program provides assistance to limited income households whose primary source of heat is oil, gas, electric, wood, or propane. Many people do not realize that you can still apply for fuel assistance if your heat is included in your rent. For information or an application, call 508-588-5440.

Many utility companies offer utility discounts for eligible customers. To be eligible, a household must be receiving a benefit such as: Food Stamps, Veterans' Benefits, TAFDC, EAEDC, Medicaid or MassHealth, Fuel Assistance, WIC, or other public assistance. Eligible customers should contact their local utilities and ask about the utility discount program. 

Bundle up! Running around with shorts and a tank top in the middle of winter just doesn't make much sense. Winter is winter because it is cold, so act like it even if you're just sitting around the house. Put on a sweater or sweatshirt, wear socks and fuzzy slippers. Place a soft, comfy blanket on the couch to cuddle up in while watching TV, reading or chatting with friends. 

Turn the heat down at night and when no one is home. This doesn't mean turn the heat to 40 degrees, but turning it down to 60 overnight or while you're away can make a big difference.  You can get thermostats that you can set to turn heat up or down at set hours.

Use a space heater only in the current room you are hanging out in. This will take the nip out of the air to make you feel more comfortable without heating all of the other rooms in the house and wasting energy.  Never leave a space heater unattended, & unplug it when you leave the room.

Keep the draperies and shades on windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter your home.

Make sure all windows are closed and locked up tight, and storm windows are in the correct position.

Even with a limited budget, you can still make the holiday season special for you and your children:

• Visit the local library and check out books about Christmas or Hanukah. Read a book each night in December as a special holiday countdown.
• Turn out all the lights except the tree and sing Christmas Carols with your children. Don't know all the words? Google "Sing Along Christmas Carols" and get the words to many songs.
• Serve hot chocolate with a candy-cane stirrer.
• Have a holiday family movie night. Get a holiday movie from the library or from the Redbox or Blockbuster video vending machine and watch it together. Don't forget the popcorn!