Seniors Count Commits to Keeping Manchester's Seniors Warm This Winter
Between heating costs and New England’s raw winters, the coming months could present a real challenge to Manchester’s frail seniors. Through the collaborative efforts of Seniors Count the Salvation Army, Southern NH Services, and other organizations, there will be a numbers of options to help seniors the stay warm this winter. Seniors Count is a community partnership that supports the independence and well being of Manchester’s seniors.
Here are some ways seniors will find assistance this winter:
Southern NH Services Fuel/Electric Assistance, NH Weatherization Program
Southern New Hampshire Services, Inc. offers Fuel Assistance heating fuel benefits and Electric Assistance discounts to eligible households. SNHS also weatherizes income eligible homes and apartments as well as heating system cleanings, repairs and if necessary, replacements. Other small, varied programs can help households in heating or utility emergencies whether they are income eligible or not. People are urged to apply.
For more information, call (603) 647-4470 or 1 (800) 322-1073.
Emergency Heat Assistance
The Salvation Army is offering to assist those who do not qualify for Fuel Assistance but need help paying for fuel costs, particularly seniors and the marginally employed. Only residents of Manchester, Litchfield and Bedford are eligible for this assistance. Residents must apply for Southern NH Fuel Assistance first and receive a letter of proof of ineligibility before applying to the Salvation Army at 121 Cedar St. in Manchester at 627.7013.
Warming Centers
Many seniors will need to be more creative in lowering their energy use this winter due to rising fuel costs and limited public program support. With that in mind, a number of "Warming Centers" in Manchester are available to seniors who pay to heat their homes and apartments. Seniors can visit warming centers during the day and lower their thermostat while they are gone. A list of warming centers is as follows:
The Salvation Army
Open To: Seniors
Days Open: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Address: 121 Cedar Street, Manchester
Telephone: (603) 627-7013
Activities: Socialization, Games, Cards, Movies, etc. Light lunch available.
Elliot Senior Health Services
Open To: Seniors
Days Open: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Address: 138 Webster Street, Manchester
Telephone: (603) 663-7000
Activities: Seniors can participate in scheduled educational program activities.
Parish of Transfiguration
Open To: Seniors
Days Open: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: 107 Alsace Street, Manchester
Telephone: (603) 623-4715
Activities: Coffee, Cable TV with VCR. Bring own lunch.
Note: The Parish of Transfiguration Warming Center will be closed when Manchester schools are closed due to inclement weather. (On days when no seniors are present at the Parish of Transfiguration Warming Center by noon, the warming center will close).
YWCA
Open To: Seniors
Days Open: Saturdays 9:00 - 3:00 PM
Address: 72 Concord Street, Manchester
Telephone: (603) 625-5785
Activities: Gym, Board Games, TV, Cards etc. (No Food Available)
Meals On Wheels Congregate Meal Sites
Anyone 60 years plus is welcome to participate in congregate meals. Cost: donation of $2.00/meal, though no one is turned away for inability to pay. Seniors must sign up for meals at a specific site. There are three sites in Manchester:
First Congregational Church
508 Union Street, Manchester.
Call (603) 626-6016 to sign up for meals.
Open Mon-Fri, meals served at 11:30 am
The Carpenter Center
323 Franklin Street, Manchester.
Call (603) 669-1699 to sign up for meals.
Open Mon-Fri, meals served at 11:30
The William B. Cashin Center
151 Douglas Street, Manchester.
Call (603) 668-0254 to sign up for meals.
Open Mon-Fri, meals served at 11:30
Electric Heater Exchange
The Salvation Army beginning November 1, 2008 will provide a brand new quartz heater in exchange for your outdated, open coil, or potentially unsafe space heater. Replacement heaters will be available while supplies last for seniors and apartment dwellers (renters). Individuals must bring proof of current heating bill and have a current photo I D. Call the Salvation Army at (603) 627-7013 for more information.
Minor Weatherizing Projects
Seniors Count is focused on helping seniors who need a hand because they do not have the physical, financial ability, or help from other individuals to weatherize their homes. This focus allows us to provide services to those who need it the most. Volunteers from Southern NH Services Fixit Program will complete minor weatherizing projects. Please call ServiceLink at (603) 644-2440.
Warm Clothing Items & Blankets
Warm knitted items such as hats, scarves, mittens, lap robes, blankets and thermal underwear are available to seniors in need. Assistance is for seniors with limited income and lack family supports to help them cope. Contact Retired Senior Volunteer Program directly for warm clothing items at (603) 634-1169. Contact the Salvation Army at (603) 627-7013 for blankets.
For more information about any of these programs, please call ServiceLink Resource Center at (603) 644-2240.