Waltham organizations react to federal energy relief cuts

Due to a barrage of cuts to federal programs that are expected to impact budget decisions in Massachusetts, community organizations and employers are watching  how Waltham residents will be affected.

With Massachusetts having some of the highest energy costs in the country (ranked fourth highest by Statista.com), accessing relief for energy bills is one such concern.

The Waltham Times published an article on April 1 that detailed ways in which residents can receive relief on energy bills. Since then, the Trump administration laid off the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a program that offsets energy bill costs for low-income residents nationwide, according to the New York Times.

“With LIHEAP funding slashed and fuel prices climbing, Waltham families are being forced to choose between heating their homes and paying the rent. Without relief, we’re likely to see more of our neighbors slipping into housing insecurity,” said Housing Clinic Director of WATCH CDC Sarah Al-Sheraidi.

WATCH is the City of Waltham’s Community Development Corporation, which provides Waltham residents — particularly those who are immigrants or low-income individuals — with the support and resources they need.

In addition to the removal of LIHEAP staff, funding for the program was cut by over 70%.

In Waltham, Al-Sheraidi explained, reduced funding means that households may not receive adequate support to cover their heating expenses. 

“Rising rents and energy bills are making it harder than ever for families to stay in their homes. For many working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals already living paycheck to paycheck, these increases are simply not sustainable,” she added.

Elsewhere in Waltham, employers have begun providing their own forms of relief.

Charles River Community Health, in addition to remaining vigilant about damaging federal cuts to programs like Medicaid, has set up an emergency fund to help support staff members with surprise expenses, like rising utility bills.

Chief Executive Officer Matt Mullaney said it was clear to him when he started in the role in December that people have been struggling with the cost of living throughout the Greater Boston area.