MVAC: Energy assistance funding to resume

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - After funding was stalled during the government shutdown, help is on the way for those struggling with energy costs.

During the shutdown, the Minnesota Valley Action Council was continuing to take applications for their energy assistance programs, even though it was uncertain when funding would finally be restored.

MVAC expected it to be some time before the funding would arrive, even after the shutdown ended, but this week the organization was told that funding for the program should arrive before the end of November, just in time as the weather gets bitter cold.

“That’s pretty quick. Originally, we were anticipating anywhere from four to eight weeks after the shutdown ended. This will be within the month that the shutdown ended. It remains to be seen, but Health and Human Services on the federal level is very optimistic that they’ll have that money to the states by the end of the month,“ MVAC’s Housing Services Director Judd Schultz said.

MVAC said that they have already received more than 4,000 applications from residents in the Mankato area, and that some good news is more than welcome to those struggling with energy costs.

“When you combine it with the fact that they were threatened with maybe not getting food support and other things like that it’s a big concern. Because then people do end up having to start making choices. Do I pay rent? Do I buy food? Do I pay for my energy? So it’s very stressful on those low-income households,“ Schultz said.

MVAC is still taking applications for energy assistance. For more information on how to apply click here.

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