#heatinginsecurity — Public Fediverse posts

'Our community needs it': High #HeatingOil prices drive more #Mainers to #WoodBanks for help

Drew Peters
Mon, October 5, 2026

"As high heating oil prices put pressure on household budgets, wood banks across Maine are seeing more families turn to firewood to help keep their homes warm.

"At the #MidcoastWoodBank in #TopshamME, volunteers are increasing production to meet the growing demand.

" 'Last year, we did 120 cords. This year, we said we can do 200 cords,' volunteer Nat Bulsifar said.

"For Bulsifar, the hours spent splitting and stacking wood are more than just tedious work.

" 'Our clients need it. Our community needs it,' he said.

"Midcoast Wood Bank Director Rich Gravelin said demand has increased as heating costs reach up to $6 dollars per gallon, a record high according to the Maine Department of Energy Resources.

" 'We're seeing the demand is much higher with the cost of heating being as high as it is right now,' Gravelin said.

"According to state officials, Maine is the most heating oil-dependent state in the country. With just over 50% of residents relying on the expensive fuel source, Gravelin said many families are struggling.

" 'We've had some people who have had unfortunate situations where they have oil heat, but they're perhaps unable to afford oil,' he said.

"The #Midcoast Wood Bank serves #BathME, #WestBathME, #BowdoinME, #BowdoinhamME, #BrunswickME, #HarpswellME, #LisbonME, #TopshamME, and #WoolwichME. Gravelin said they provide emergency firewood bins to each community and allow any family in need to pick up as much as two cords of wood. He said all of their wood is donated by residents as well as local businesses and organizations."

Read more:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/community-needs-high-heating-oil-231533446.html

#SolarPunkSunday #MainersHelpingMainers
#WinterIsComing #FirewoodBanks
#WoodBanks #HeatingInsecurity #HeatingOil

I know burning wood is bad for the environment. But folks need to heat their homes somehow. (Yes, I know Solar and Heatpumps would help, but heatpumps need to be installed and maintained -- and do use electricity; and solar needs to be long-lasting, affordable, and recyclable)! Also, better to use #Ash infested with #EAB than let it go to waste...

Somerset Woods Trustees prep free firewood bank as Maine heating costs reach record highs

By Michaela Hawthorne
Published: Sep. 29, 2026

SOLON, Maine (WABI) - "With cold weather arriving and home heating costs in Maine climbing to record highs, the Somerset Woods Trustees are preparing to share the benefits of their conservation work with local families in need.

"At first glance, seeing a land conservation organization cut down trees might seem contradictory. However, stewards at the Somerset Woods Trustees say forest management is critical for overall woodland health and trail safety.

"Crews selectively clear threatened ash and #beech trees impacted by pests and disease before they can fall on public trails, while also removing old hedgerows to restore open #grassland habitats for nesting birds such as #bobolinks.

" 'The wood bank is just another part of it,” said Emma Hovencamp, forestland steward for the Somerset Woods Trustees. “It’s just this direct connection between conserved land and the management activities on it and our communities. The firewood comes directly from our lands to people’s homes.' "

Read more:
https://www.wabi.tv/2026/09/29/somerset-woods-trustees-prep-free-firewood-bank-maine-heating-costs-reach-record-highs/

#SolarPunkSunday #MainersHelpingMainers #WinterIsComing #FirewoodBanks #WoodBanks #HeatingInsecurity