'We are in for a crisis'

'We are in for a crisis'

Jul 15 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Charles Owens Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va.

Families already struggling to make ends meet with soaring gas, food and utility prices could be facing another crisis this winter.

"I just had two calls today from people who are almost desperate, and are wondering what they are going to do about heating oil," Randall Johnson, executive director of the Council of Southern Mountains in McDowell County, said. "Actually, we are getting calls from people who are wanting coal furnaces so they can heat their homes. That is sad. I am getting calls daily from people who are truly worried about what they are going to do this winter. To be asked in July -- can you help me get a coal furnace. I've never been asked anything like that before."

Johnson said the large coal furnaces of 20 years ago still found in homes across McDowell County can no longer be purchased new. The agency also is receiving a multitude of calls for assistance through its weatherization program. The weatherization program helps low-income families reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient.

"It is becoming a crisis situation for low-income families," Johnson said. "Unless we happen to have a mild winter -- and there is no way to predict that -- we are in for a crisis. The poor people can't afford the oil."

Ronald Rumley, manager of Rumley Oil in Oakvale, said many are filling up their tanks now in fear of higher prices in the fall.

"We start filling people up in July," Rumley said. "Because it is supposed to be cheaper. If it was me, I would go ahead and fill them up. I don't think you are going to see a big drop. If something were to happen overseas, it is liable to go higher. Especially in Iran. It's just a bad situation right now."

Rumley said the cost of heating oil is currently running about $2.10 higher than it did last winter.

"It is going up about the same as gas and everything," Rumley said.

Johnson said residents who will have trouble keeping their homes heated this winter should start asking for help now.

"What people need to do is call us and contact us so we can take referrals and get information, and get with our legislators and see what we can do," Johnson said. "We are trying to work with the other groups. They are covered up with referrals. But we are trying to help people because there is such a need."

-- Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com