The P.E.I. government has budgeted $9 million this year for a program that helps Islanders heat their homes, up from $7 million last year. Martin Dutton of the Salvation Army, which administers the program, explains why demand for the assistance is on the rise.
Individuals and families on P.E.I. can once again apply for financial help to heat their homes in 2025.
The program is funded by the provincial government and administered by the Salvation Army. Last year, it gave out about $7 million in assistance to help Islanders pay for home heating, usually furnace oil.
“These are people who have earned money, paid taxes and are still struggling,” said Martin Dutton with the Salvation Army. “Folks are not coming through because they are just trying to grab money.”
Dutton said the need continues to rise as P.E.I.’s population grows.
“The need keeps on growing with volume, basically,” he said. …