Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) is proud to announce the receipt of two grants totaling $30,000 that will directly support furnace system repairs and replacements for low-income households in northern Maine. The John T. Gorman Foundation and the Maine Association of Realtors (MARS) have each awarded funds that will strengthen ACAP’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helping families stay safe and warm during the region’s harsh winter months.
ACAP received $20,000 from the John T. Gorman Foundation’s Direct Services Grant and $10,000 from the Maine Association of Realtors’ Affordable Housing Grant. Both grants will be used to address a growing need for heating system repairs in homes that would otherwise be ineligible for heating assistance due to broken or inefficient furnaces.
“In Aroostook County, where winter temperatures can be extreme, having a reliable source of heat is critical,” said Jason Parent, Executive Director/CEO of ACAP. “These funds allow us to repair or replace furnace systems for households that would otherwise be left in the cold—both literally and figuratively.”
ACAP has seen increased demand for heating assistance and heating system repairs in recent years. With limited funding previously available for furnace work, many households found themselves unable to qualify for HEAP support simply because their systems were in disrepair. The new funding will bridge that gap, helping households meet eligibility requirements and stay safely housed.
“These grants from the Gorman Foundation and MARS come at a crucial time,” Parent added. “They not only help us address immediate needs but also support long-term housing stability for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”
For more information contact Rebecca Damon, ACAP Communications & Community Outreach Manager at 207-554-4113 or rdamon@acap-me.org.
