Frigid temperatures and this weekend's potential storm are concerning developments for people having a tough time heating their homes.
"We haven't maybe seen the snow accumulation that we're used to, but everyone is still definitely very much scared that they're not going to be able to heat their homes," said Andrea Mendoza of Action for Boston Community Development, or ABCD.
STAY IN THE KNOW
 |
Watch NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
 |
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters. |
An average gallon of heating oil in Massachusetts is $3.43, nearly double from last year. To fill a tank, it costs about $800.
Natural gas is cheaper, but costs are still up 30% — raising the average bill $287.
Get top local stories in Boston delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC Boston's News Headlines newsletter.
"The pandemic is still raging on, and folks are really struggling to meet their basic living expenses," Mendoza said.
ABCD runs one of the state's largest fuel assistance programs. Applications are up because of the pandemic and economic crisis. But so is the amount of available help.
"There has been an increase in funding this year from the American Rescue Plan, which has helped increase benefits to a maximum of $1,650," Mendoza said.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
The money is available through April for families and individuals who live at or around the poverty line. The best way to find out if you qualify is to contact Action for Boston Community Development.
