HEAP changes reap rewards for NYC

Finally, there is some good news for low and moderate-income families across New York.
Governor David Paterson announced that the State has made changes to the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
The changes came nearly a month after new provisions to the 2008 Food, Conservation and Energy Act took effect on October 1.
The passage of this act, also known as the Farm Bill, will provide an extra $20 million to New York’s Food Stamp program for the upcoming year.
Not only will an additional $1 million be available to food banks in New York, but nearly 90,000 households in New York City that qualify for the HEAP will see an average monthly increase of $131.
“During these difficult economic times we must do what we can to ensure that New York’s families have the resources they need to feed their families,” said Governor Paterson.
“The changes the State has implemented will not only benefit New York’s most vulnerable populations, but will infuse hundreds of millions of new federal dollars into our state’s economy at a time when we need it most.”
Statewide, some 115,000 low-income households that qualify for HEAP will see an average monthly increase of $118 in food stamp benefits.
Dr. Lucy Cabrera, president and CEO of the Food Bank for New York City, praised Governor Paterson for bringing these changes.
“Governor Paterson’s policies will bring public housing residents and other low-income New Yorkers critical food assistance, and we are grateful to him for bringing broad public attention to the increased benefits available to those who need it most. The Food Bank is looking forward to working with him and his Administration to find additional innovative ways to bring federal benefits to all New Yorkers in need,” Cabrera said.
Low-income families living in housing such as Section 8 and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) will be the primary beneficiaries of the changes made to HEAP.