City kindles spirits with 'Gift of Warmth'

At the end of a day out in the cold, many in Bloomington may take for granted that they have a home where they can thaw. But some city residents deal with a much harsher reality. \nIn late December, Mayor Mark Kruzan announced that the Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department would provide $20,000 through an initiative called the "Gift of Warmth." The program will offer furnace cleaning and tune-ups to residents in need of heating assistance.\n"Energy expenses are an economic drain on low-income families, so we want to provide citizens with a very direct way to reduce costs," Kruzan said in a recent press release. "The more efficient the heating system, the lower the energy bill."\nLisa Abbott, assistant director of HAND, said that a similar project was initiated a few years ago and with the current high costs of heating, they decided that it was a good time to try it again.\n"As heating costs go up, it is a waste of resources if your furnace isn't efficient," Abbott said. \nBecause of cold temperatures, Bloomington's low-income residents may end up in homeless shelters as a result of the inability to pay high energy prices. \n"Residents often seek out our services in the winter after their heat has been shut off for not paying bills," said Anita Foster, an employee at Martha's House, a local homeless shelter.\nSeveral area heating contractors are teaming up with the city to help residents heat their homes. All Seasons Heating and Cooling, Bloomington Heating and Cooling, Keller Heating and Cooling and Midwest Heating and Cooling will provide service technicians and donate filters and other small parts. HAND will pay for furnace parts and new heating units.\nBecause HAND is using community development funds, the cleaning and maintenance will be available to those residents who are at or below 60 percent Area Media Income, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. \nHAND is now processing the applications to ensure that participants meet all requirements, Abbott said. The city will attempt to give priority to the elderly, disabled and households with small children.\nIn addition to this project, the city also announced in late December that it would grant $15,000 to Martha's House to assist the homeless and another $15,000 to the Community Action Project to alleviate low-income residents' heating bills.\nJodi Tobias, the director of Martha's House, said the funds will be used to help provide services for its residents. Opened in 2004, Martha's House offers case management and education programs. \n"This was a wonderful surprise from the city," said Tobias.