Essex residents needing help paying their heating bills can begin applying for home heating assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LHEAP). The program can aid low- and middle-income households and senior citizens with keeping their homes warm this winter, while defraying high energy costs.

LHEAP is a vital lifeline for many Essex families, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply for these benefits which will provide much needed financial relief. Eligible homeowners and renters may receive heating assistance depending on their income, household size, and how they heat their home. To apply, call the Town of Essex Social Services Department at 860-767-4340, ext. 201.

The Town of Essex is committed to ensuring our most vulnerable residents have access to assistance and programs that will help address rising costs for heating their homes this winter. The Board of Selectmen approved an appropriation of additional funds to the Social Service Assistance Fund administered by the Town of Essex Social Services Department. The monies will provide additional support for people who fall through the cracks, people who cannot fill out those complicated forms, as well as people who may just miss qualifying for different reasons. We hope to match the additional funds with the help of our citizens and local non-profits.

The town encourages residents who have the means to help a vulnerable neighbor. Many times our most at-risk citizens don’t ask for the help they may need. It could be a tank of oil, assistance with a utility bill, groceries, clothing, a ride to the doctor’s office, or even just a visit in their home.

The Town of Essex Department of Social Services mission is to enhance the quality of life and self-sufficiency of people in need of financial and social services. Our goal is to provide leadership, advocacy, planning, and delivery of many services in partnership with public and private organizations. We serve as a bridge connecting people to the essential resources of the community.

Social Services has a long-standing tradition of collaborating with local community businesses, nonprofits, churches, and residents to enhance services to town residents. The Town of Essex Social Services Assistance Fund was established to fill the gaps that may exist among neighbors in need, and neighbors that might be able to meet some of that need.

Please consider becoming a friend of Essex Social Services by donating to the Assistance Fund. Your donation will be used to help with financial emergencies for Social Service’s families, including rental deposits, utility bills, fuel assistance, school supplies, food and clothing, and holiday presents for children. By working closely with the Director of Finance, we ensure that assistance from this fund is performed appropriately, in the best interests of the town and donors, and within our guidelines. Your gifts, both large and small, will help us to achieve our mission of helping those in need in our community.

All donors should seek the advice of a tax professional relative to the deductibility of donations as it relates to their specific tax situation.

Donations can be made to: Town of Essex Social Services Assistance Fund, 29 West Avenue, Essex, CT 06426.

Thanks to the support of our community partners, the Department of Social Services can continue to strive to seek out new ways to improve and enhance operations and to expand activities to better meet the needs of the community, while maintaining a positive, compassionate, and cost-efficient environment.