Special to the Times-Free Press

Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata has been named as the Chair of the Government Operations Committee and City Council Vice President for the 2026-2027 legislative year. In the last council session, Coletta Zapata served as Chair of the Government Operations and Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks Committee.

“I’m honored to continue serving as Chair of the Government Operations Committee and proud of what we accomplished last legislative cycle advancing responsible governance and promoting equity, sustainability, and livability across Boston,” said Coletta Zapata. “Residents entrusted us with moving the needle on the issues that impact their daily lives, and it is our responsibility not just to identify challenges, but to propose and advance real solutions that serve our communities. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to ensure a productive legislative session while advancing policies that make Boston a city that works for all its residents.”

As Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, she plays a central role in the City Council’s legislative process overseeing the review, analysis, and negotiation of all ordinances, home rule petitions, and special laws before they advance to the full Council or the Mayor’s desk. This position serves as the final checkpoint for accountability, legal precision, and policy alignment across all city departments, ensuring that every law enacted reflects both community needs and sound governance.

Under her leadership in the previous Council session, the City Council passed several critical ordinances, including codifying the Office of Food Justice, prioritizing surplus municipal property for affordable housing, and protecting workers from heat-related illness and injury. As Chair of the Government Operations Committee, Coletta Zapata reviewed and passed 42 Home Rule Petitions and 16 ordinances. As Chair of Environmental Justice, Resiliency, and Parks, the Council also advanced efforts to expand food access, support food pantries, and approved grants that unlock investments to strengthen and expand Boston’s open and green spaces. Her prior service as Chair of these committees and her track record of building consensus across complex policy areas position Councilor Coletta Zapata to be an effective partner to Council President Liz Breadon, helping guide the Council’s legislative priorities and ensure smooth, collaborative Council operations in her new role as Vice President.

The Boston City Council meets on Wednesdays at 12pm in the Iannella Chamber of Boston City Hall. The first Council Meeting of 2026 is scheduled for January 28, 2026. City Council meetings and hearings can be found at https://www.boston.gov/departments/city-council

For additional information please contact the Office of Councilor Gabriela Coletta by phone at (617) 635-3200 or by email at gabriela.ramirez@boston.gov.

Special to the Times-Free Press

On Friday, January 16, Representative Adrian Madaro met with Slush King owner Mark Nolan and his daughter, Natalie Nolan, at the business’s popular Bennington Street location. Although Slush King is closed for the season, Rep. Madaro was able to tour where Slush King’s slush and other frozen treats are made in-house before presenting the business with a citation recognizing it as East Boston’s recipient of the 2025 Massachusetts Manufacturing Award.

Rep. Madaro was proud to nominate Slush King for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Award in fall 2025. While many residents are familiar with their popular walk-up window, where lines can stretch down the block on a warm summer evening, not everyone knows that Slush King manufactures many of their signature offerings themselves. The result is some of the finest Italian-style slush in the city of Boston, as well as a wide selection of gelato, ice cream, and other frozen desserts.

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Awards are hosted by the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 70 legislators from around the Commonwealth.  The Massachusetts Manufacturing Awards seeks to recognize and promote outstanding manufacturing businesses from across the Commonwealth.

The 10th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

“There are few pleasures that match getting a cold treat from Slush King on a hot summer’s day in East Boston,” said Representative Madaro. “I’m proud to honor Slush King and owner Mark Nolan for their incredible, delicious tradition of authentic, locally made slush and the legacy of the Nolan family across generations of this business in East Boston. I’m already looking forward to them opening back up this spring!”

Upon accepting the citation from Madaro, Nolan said, “We’re honored to receive this award. It means a lot to us. We thank our customers for coming to our business and being so loyal to us. And we’ll see you on May 1.”

The next meeting of the Harbor View Neighborhood Association will be on February 2, at 6 p.m. The meeting is In Person only but will be streamed via Facebook for archival purposes. Attendance on Facebook does not qualify for voting. The meeting will be held in the Salesian Boys and Girls Club cafeteria, across from the Brooke Charter School on Byron Street. You can access the meeting from the front door on Byron Street which is also handicap accessible and an elevator is available for your convenience if needed. which is the handicap entry, to avoid the stairs.

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La proxima reunion de Harbor View Neighborhood Association esta en dos de febrero a las 6pm. La reunion esta en persona y via Facebook. La asistencia en Facebook no califica para vota. Llega a la cafeteria del Salesian Boys y Girls Club por la calle Byron al otro lado de Brooke Charter School. Puede entrar a la junta por la entrrada principal en la calle Byron la cual puede ser utilizada por personas con discapacidades y tiene un elevador si es que es necesario para evitar las escaleras.

Agenda

Welcome/Introduction (5min)

 Carlos Garcia (5min) East Boston liaison, Office of Neighborhood Services will report on any items of importance. His contact information is carlos.garcia@boston.gov or 617-308-5725.

Announcements (5min): Better Beaches Save the Harbor Save the Bay Grant Program application ends on January 31, 2026. The Shamrock Splash is set for March 8th at Constitution Beach. The Belle Isle Rotary has its Polar Plunge Fundraiser on February 7, 2026, at the East Boston Yacht Club. It is a fun event to attend even if you do not plan to take the plunge. Free Monthly Community Dinner at Sacred Heart Parish February 11, 2026, at 5pm-7pm. McLean Park, playground construction to begin in spring 2026. Tree Eastie is excited to share that in 2025 they planted 233 trees. This brings the total number of trees planted in the past 4 years to 732. Wow, what an accomplishment for Bill Masterson and his crew making East Boston healthier one tree at a time. Logan International Airport, the Environmental Data Report for 2023/2024 has been extended until February 9, 2026. This reports on the status of planning activities and environmental conditions.

Station 7 Police Report (15min) Captain Bickerton, Sgt. Cintolo, Officers Mosley and Alvarez.

Eastie Farms (5min) Morgan Barlin and Christine Berlingeri would like to share information about the CSA program at Eastie Farms.

Boston Data Explorer (15min) Toni Noble shares the Boston Data Explorer website for insights into City spending, lobbying, crime, fire incidents and so much more.

Friends of Constitution Beach (10min) Cindy Baxter would like to share her plans to start a Friends of Constitution Beach group. She would like to recruit neighbors in this effort to have a voice at the table when decisions are being made about the beach. Address concerns, pursue fun events, coordinate improvements.

FOOD DRIVE please bring can goods to our February meeting so that they can be donated to the Grace Church Food Pantry. Also, if you plan on going to the Belle Isle Rotary Polar Plunge bring can goods for the food pantry. HVNA plans on making a cash donation to the Grace Church Food Pantry and we ask you to support this neighborhood food resource that is essential to some of our neighbors.

3 Moore Street (30min) This is the first presentation by Attorney Richard Lynds on behalf of Jam 5 Properties LLC and developer 60 Byron Street Realty Trust. The proposal is to build a 3-story structure with 6 residential units. Anticipated variances are width and feet.

East Boston Italian American Parade, aka Columbus Day Parade, will hold another planning meeting on February 2, 2026, at 7pm at Kelley Square Pub.

The next meeting of the HVNA will be on March 2, 2026. Visit us at http://www.facebook.com/groups/harborviewna or check our website at harborvieweastboston.com or board@harborviewna.org.

The East Boston Chamber of Commerce proudly joined the newly opened Kaori Cafe for its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting and Coffee Connect event on Friday, January 23, at its location at 303 Meridian Street in East Boston.

Kaori Cafe provided a beautiful setting for the celebration featuring excellent coffee and delicious breakfast offerings. The well-attended ribbon cutting and Coffee Connect event offered a warm and welcoming start to the day bringing together community members to network and celebrate the newest addition to the neighborhood.

Kaori Cafe and owner Bryan Melendez were presented with citations from state and local representatives in recognition of the opening and as a welcome to the East Boston business community. The Chamber also officially welcomed Kaori Cafe as its newest member and wished the business great success in its new venture.

         ————–

Comunicado de Prensa:

La Cámara de Comercio de East Boston se unió a Kaori Cafe para su Gran Inauguración, Corte de Cinta y evento Coffee Connect

La Cámara de Comercio de East Boston se unió con orgullo al recién inaugurado Kaori Cafe para su evento de Gran Inauguración, Corte de Cinta y Coffee Connect el viernes 23 de enero de 2026, en su ubicación en el 303 de Meridian Street en East Boston.

Kaori Cafe ofreció un hermoso escenario para la celebración, con excelente café y deliciosas opciones de desayuno. El evento de corte de cinta y Coffee Connect, al que asistieron numerosos invitados, brindó un comienzo cálido y acogedor al día, reuniendo a miembros de la comunidad para establecer contactos y celebrar la más reciente incorporación al vecindario.

Kaori Cafe y su propietario, Bryan Melendez, recibieron reconocimientos de representantes estatales y locales en conmemoración de la inauguración y como bienvenida a la comunidad empresarial de East Boston. La Cámara también dio oficialmente la bienvenida a Kaori Cafe como su nuevo miembro y le deseó mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa.

Story and photos by Al Terminiello Jr. 

Meghann Celona was born in East Boston, and at the early age of 10 moved to Revere with her parents, Jimmy and Loreena Celona. She graduated RHS in 2010, from there, attended the Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Cambridge, then following that, attended the Boston Career Institute to become a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist. In 2020 Meghann started working at the Beth Isreal Hospital in the ICU.

The real story behind this talented young lady is the fact that she lives an “old school” lifestyle. Learning to cook from her dad, Jimmy Celona. Jimmy was a well know entertainer for many years, singing and bringing joy wherever he performed. That was one side, James Celona was also a decorated veteran and a terrific cook, a skill he passed on to his daughter, Meghann. Meghann recalls the patience and love her dad put into her education as a cook, also the raps on the back of the hand when her concentration veered off the task at hand.

Cooking is a way to bring my dad back to me. Each meal is her way to remember the good old days, a little singing, a little cooking, and a little wine. Each dish has a very specific memory, a time, and a place is recalled with each slice of a knife, or swirl of a spoon. Meghann’s mom, Loreena Celona joins her in the kitchen at times, and new and loving memories are born with each prepared recipe.

These days, Meghann is cooking on a wider platform than family and friends, she has how to do videos on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. She can be found on Facebook as Meghann Celona, Instagram and Tik Tok @Meghanannxo. Her videos are both entertaining and educational. All recipes are complete with what you need and how to do it. Meghann is also working on a cookbook, while she says it’s a never-ending story of sorts because she continually keeps adding more recipes to it. This project of the heart is a dedication to her dad, it was started before he died and to Meghann, this is a must finish endeavor. Her goal is completion by the fall of 2026, just in time for Christmas sales. Meghann is also in the process of getting sponsors to supply products, to help cut the costs of materials and ingredients for her videos. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact her via email, macelona15@gmail.com, or inbox her on any platform.

Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for her cooking platforms, offering free local delivery from 11am – 2pm/ or pick up all day from 11am. You can order from her online menu and must be placed by January 31. Meghann Celona cooks from the heart, she loves what she does, and it shows in every dish she happily prepares and offers to her friends and family or on camera. Her video catalog was started as an educational home video for her kids to have, for when she is not around, adding modern technology in place of old-fashioned index card recipes. This intimate remembrance for her kids has put Meghann on an national and international stage, with thousands of followers and fans from around the world. She maintains her full-time job. She’s a mother of two, and a partner to her soon-to-be husband. She offers her skills and information to help others enjoy cooking, to find the happiness in their lives by sharing time with loved ones in the kitchen, like she has with her family. Cooking is not a chore, it’s an act of love, and Meghann Celona is bringing that feeling back to families one dish at a time.

Special to the Times-Free Press

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced the release of its draft Strategic Plan and is seeking public comment to help shape Massport’s path forward. The Plan builds on Massport’s strengths and a decade of progress, assesses current conditions and trends, and identifies future challenges and opportunities. It balances operational excellence with inclusive forward-looking growth, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to safe, efficient, sustainable operations that engage and benefit the communities we serve. The Strategic Plan sets a vision for the next decade and outlines a flexible, action-oriented path to achieve it.

The public comment period opens today and runs through March 6th. The Plan and opportunity to provide feedback can be accessed here:  https://www.massport.com/strategic-plan.

“Massport has not undertaken a strategic planning effort in a decade. As a central engine of economic activity, we need to plan for the future and respond to growing demand while setting the highest standards for safety, sustainability and community partnership,” said Rich Davey, Massport CEO. “Guided by this vision, we will be transforming aging infrastructure, leveraging emerging technologies and delivering innovative customer-focused experiences and lasting benefits to our communities and the region. We welcome the public’s feedback as we work to achieve these goals.”

Key elements of the 2025 Plan:

The Strategic Plan presents a vision and a roadmap by key Massport assets and across the organization.

Aviation

Massport’s aviation system must adapt to meet increasing demand and emerging technology as Massachusetts and New England are home to several travel-intensive industries and companies that rely on air travel to support their operations and drive economic impact, as well as a large traveling population that depends on safe, efficient and affordable air service.

Boston Logan International Airport:

With one of the smallest and oldest airport footprints in the country, Logan must invest strategically to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations. Priorities include:

A major renovation or replacement of the Air Traffic Control Tower;

Enhancing Boston Logan’s portfolio of high-occupancy vehicle and transit options including implementing innovative ideas like remote terminals;

Modernizing Logan’s terminal core to enhance the passenger experience.

Worcester Regional Airport:

To sustain growth, Worcester will focus on:

Maintaining and expanding commercial passenger service;

Assessing opportunities for potential to grow cargo or logistics operations;

Exploring new opportunities and partnerships with support of community stakeholders.

Hanscom Field

As New England’s premier general aviation airport, Hanscom plays a critical role in supporting business aviation, medical flights, and regional innovation. Priorities include:

Powering the future of aviation innovation with research partnerships and support services;

Advancing Massport’s sustainability and Net Zero efforts, including development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF);

Continue to meet metro Boston’s general aviation needs.

Maritime

For nearly 400 years, the Port of Boston has supported regional economic growth and jobs.

Conley Terminal aims to strengthen its position as a reliable, efficient container port with a goal of reaching 200,000 containers by 2035. Achieving best-in-class operational excellence to maximize competitive advantage will require:

Developing a roadmap for crane and wharf upgrades;

Further monetizing and increasing stickiness of customer relationships.

Flynn Cruiseport Boston will focus on improving the passenger experience and enhancing ground access, targeting 600,000 annual passengers by 2035. Priorities include:

Developing core cruise business in collaboration with cruise lines

Improving customer experience and service

Enhancing ground transport access and curbside flow

Real Estate

Massport’s real estate portfolio supports economic growth through waterfront development, maritime industrial uses, and commercial activity. By 2035, Massport aims to generate approximately $100 million in recurring annual revenue. Strategic priorities include:

Attracting and enabling Blue Economy companies;

Funding sustained placemaking activities;

Prioritizing land acquisitions and infrastructure investments.

Organization Wide

Four organization- wide capabilities are essential to delivering on the Plan: Talent, Community, Sustainability & Resilience, and Digital/Data & AI. These are not supporting elements – they are foundational to achieving our mission and advancing Massport’s role as a leader in climate innovation and the region’s sustainability ecosystem.

Our Net Zero strategy continues to be a top priority as we move forward. This strategy addresses all emissions from Massport-controlled sources through sustainable infrastructure and operational improvements. Massport also recognizes the importance of reducing emissions beyond its direct control by extending our influence and building strong partnerships including the adoption of SAF at our airports.

Massport is also committed to advancing the East Boston community’s vision for Piers Park 3. We look forward to working with the community on that.

Massport’s 2025
Strategic Plan is Built on a Decade of Progress

Massport’s 2014 Strategic Plan laid the foundation for major accomplishments across aviation, maritime, and real estate.  Accomplishment achieved from the 2014 Strategic Plan include:

Transformed Conley Container Terminal into a “big-ship-ready” facility capable of handling the largest vessels calling the East Coast;

Additional international gates at Boston Logan’s International Terminal E;

Installed a CAT III landing system at Worcester Airport;

Completed Piers Park II in East Boston;

Delivered a dedicated freight corridor and buffer park in South Boston;

Applied the nationally recognized “Massport Model” to the Omni Boston at the Seaport Hotel procurement;

Opened a new Framingham parking garage that reached full utilization on day one;

Connected Boston  Logan’s terminals beyond security to enhance the passenger experience;

Expanded Boston Logan’s parking capacity;

Maintained Hanscom Field’s role as New England’s premier general aviation airport and a critical reliever for Boston Logan.

These achievements demonstrate Massport’s ability to deliver on complex projects, adapt to evolving needs, and advance economic growth while strengthening community engagement.

 Special to the Times-Free Press

National Grid reminds its customers to exercise caution near the energy equipment outside of their homes as they clear snow left behind from Winter Storm Fern. Over a foot of snow has fallen across our Massachusetts service area with additional snow forecast throughout the afternoon. National Grid’s top priority is safety, including the safety and well-being of our crews and customers, and we offer the following reminders to assist with removing snow from your property.

Keep Your Meters Clear of Snow and Ice

Many National Grid customers have electric and/or natural gas meters on the exterior of their homes and businesses. When clearing snow, customers and snow removal contractors should be aware of the location of this equipment to avoid coming into contact with meters or outside gas risers. Additionally:

• Gently remove icicles from the meter with a gloved hand, if necessary. Never kick your meter or use a snow shovel to knock away ice.

• If energy equipment is located near your driveway or parking lot, and you have a vehicle-mounted snowplow or use a snow removal service, ensure that the equipment is well-marked so the vehicle operator knows to keep a safe distance. Striking a natural gas riser or electric wire with a plow could cause injury.

• The buildup of ice and snow around or over natural gas meters, regulators and pipes can pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers’ homes or businesses, resulting in potential gas leaks. Customers should take immediate action if a natural gas leak is suspected:

• Get out – All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone, light switches or automatic garage door openers for any reason.

• Call us – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call National Grid’s 24-hour gas emergency number: 1-800-233-5325.

• Stay out – Don’t return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe to do so.

• If energy equipment is located near your driveway or parking lot, and you have a vehicle-mounted snowplow or use a snow removal service, ensure that the equipment is well-marked so the vehicle operator knows to keep a safe distance. Striking a natural gas riser or electric wire with a plow could cause injury.

Keep Your Vents Clear

The excessive amount of snowfall from this storm may have increased the snow depth in your yard and near your home or business. When clearing snow from your driveways and walkways, never pile it near vents on the side of the building. A blocked vent – whether it’s a furnace, hot water heater, dryer or sewer – can lead to the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide. Keep the vents clear and free of snow and ice, treating them as carefully as you would an energy meter.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu, and can include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, heart fluttering or loss of muscle control. If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, immediately go outside and breathe deeply. Then call 911.

Trees, Snow and Your

Electric Service

Snowfall places excessive weight on tree limbs and branches, creating potential hazards for energy infrastructure. Downed trees near power lines should be reported to National Grid at 800-465-1212. Visit our website for more information about your electric service and trees. Customers are also reminded to exercise extreme caution near downed power lines:

• Always use extreme caution near downed power lines and wires, and always assume that they are carrying live electricity.

• Never touch a person or an object that is in contact with a downed line, as electricity can pass through to you.

• Take caution when approaching fallen trees, which could have power lines caught in them.

• Remember that water can conduct electricity. If you see a line down in a puddle or flooded area, avoid contact with the water to prevent risk of shock.

• Learn more about staying safe near downed power lines.

To learn more about electric and natural gas safety, visit our website – nationalgridus.com.

Special to the Times-Free Press

Boston Food Access Council, of Boston, has been named a recipient of Project Bread’s inaugural Community Power Grants program. The funding will help to drive grassroots advocacy and systems change to address the root causes of food insecurity, building capacity for smaller organizations where it would not be otherwise possible. Boston Food Access Council was selected from over 40 proposals for its proven impact, advocacy wins, and strong potential to build power across communities.

“Food insecurity is not just about food – it is about deep structural disparities,” says Adriana Mendes-Sheldon, Director of Community Partnerships at Project Bread. “True transformation happens when power is redistributed and communities most impacted by food insecurity are part of shaping the solutions. By investing in grassroots leadership and advocacy, we build long-term capacity for organizing and a sustainable impact that goes beyond charity and toward systemic change.”

The Boston Food Access Council is a community-led coalition working to ensure that Boston residents most affected by food insecurity have the knowledge, resources, and power to shape food access solutions. Comprised of community members and organizational leaders, Boston Food Access Council brings together residents, advocates, and policymakers to break down silos and advance equitable food access through collaboration, advocacy, and awareness-building. With support from Project Bread’s Community Power Fund, Boston Food Access Council will strengthen its capacity and deepen community leadership, while also funding a small cohort of paid community advocates.  They have already hired a new fractional executive director, Sutton Kiplinger, to provide dedicated coordination and strategic guidance. In partnership with the Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative (NFAC), 3 community advocates have been hired who will do community engagement to help neighbors understand their own opportunities for action and become part of an engaged base of community members advocating for the changes they want to see in food access in their communities. These advocates—people with lived experience of food insecurity—will be trained to conduct SNAP and food access outreach, share accurate information, and elevate community stories at farmers’ markets, neighborhood events, and in conversations with decision-makers across Boston.

“We need to be able to connect policymakers directly to people who are experiencing food insecurity and supporting their communities every day,” says Seana Weaver, former steering committee member and continued supporter of the Boston Food Access Council. “By investing in both leadership capacity and paid community advocates, we’re strengthening the bridge between lived experience and power, while reducing misinformation and ensuring that community voices are driving food justice solutions in Boston.”

Project Bread awarded a total of $97,000 to five Massachusetts organizations through the Community Power Grants program.  Grantees received individualized technical assistance from Project Bread’s Research and Evaluation team to develop customized logic models that track each project’s progress and impact. They will also participate in Project Bread’s statewide Community of Practice. Mendes-Sheldon explains that “the program was intentionally designed to provide value beyond funding, offering key supports that build long-term organizational capacity, sustainability, and impact.” The grants strategically support the Make Hunger History Coalition, Project Bread’s bold statewide initiative mobilizing more than 500 partners around a shared roadmap to permanently end hunger in Massachusetts. This work seeks to intentionally shift the power dynamics in anti-hunger work by providing tools and support for grassroots organizations and individuals to voice their perspectives and become leaders in this statewide movement. The coalition operates through five strategic pillars: ensuring all residents can access and buy food, integrating food security with health care, supporting residents to eat nutritious and local food, enhancing food support programs for priority populations, and addressing root causes that contribute to hunger. The other 2025-2026 grantees include Revere Arabic Community, Roslindale Food Collective + New Beginnings Reentry Services, MetroWest Food Collaborative, and Hampshire County Food Policy Council. They have all joined the coalition as active members, with their community leadership and organizing efforts directly feeding into working groups and collaborative efforts across the state.

To get involved with the Make Hunger History Coalition, visit: www.makehungerhistoryma.org.

People experiencing food insecurity should call into Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential assistance to connect with food resources, including SNAP benefits, in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org/get-help.

Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org.

Boston Food Access Council (BFAC) is a community-led coalition working to empower Bostonians with the knowledge to access food resources and to bring together and amplify community voices and needs through collaboration, partnership, advocacy, and awareness building. Through community outreach, policy advocacy, and organizing strategies, BFAC ensures that those closest to the problem are the ones leading the solutions. For more information visit: https://bostonfoodaccesscouncil.org/

Special to the Times-Free Press

The Massachusetts’ home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills.

Homeowners and renters, including households whose cost of heat is included in the rent, can apply in person at the agency in their area or through the online application.

Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income.

This program provides assistance through a fixed benefit amount for the cost of the primary source of heat with includes, but is not limited to: Oil, Electricity, Natural gas, Propane, Kerosene, Wood, and Coal.

If eligible, discounts are automatically given on:

• electric bills for investor-owned electric utilities

• gas bills for investor-owned gas utilities

• telephone bills

Payments for actual usage or fuel delivery are made directly to the heating vendor for primary energy needs from November 1st to April 30th.

Eligibility/Selection Criteria

•       There are a variety of factors that impact the eligibility of a household.

•       Eligibility is based on household size and the gross annual income of every household member, 18 years of age or older.

• Household income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income

• Please contact the local fuel assistance agency for detailed information on criteria used for eligibility.

• Housing subsidies will also determine the specific benefit level.

Fees

The program is 100% free for those who qualify. Beware of scams by people charging an “application fee” to help submit an application.

How to apply

The online application opens on October 1 for the upcoming heating season (November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025). You can apply online, in person at the LIHEAP agency in your area, or by mail. Use the HEAP portal to find your agency or start the application. Households must apply each year.

• First time applicants must participate in an intake appointment, to get started please submit an online application or contact your local agency.

• Applications are mailed to households after the first year and can be renewed online, in person, or by mail.

•       Applicants who are denied assistance have the right to appeal the decision through their local home energy assistance agency. 

• You may also take a look at the FY 2025 Cold Relief Brochure

Next steps

Necessary Documents

As part of the application process, please be prepared to share necessary information, including but not limited to:

• photo identification for the head of household or primary applicant (e.g. driver’s license)

• a list of all household members

• information on your heating bills (e.g. heating company name and account number)

• information on your housing situation (e.g. an active lease or mortgage statement

• proof of income for 30 days prior to application date (e.g. wages, pension).