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WITI-TV, WEST ALLIS -
Tens of thousands of people are applying for Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance program in Milwaukee County, but some seeking help say they're having a hard time getting it.
Less than two weeks into the official start of the Energy Assistance program season, and some people are already frustrated. Many are complaining of busy phones, and lots of waiting. Some are even camping out the night before in order to get the help they need.
During the Energy Assistance season, and the Social Development Commission's sites that help the state with the program are swamped. The SDC says it's five Milwaukee County locations can only process a limited number of applications a day, based on resources.
Daytime visits are on a first come first serve basis. So many people are waking up early trying to beat the rush, but some say that doesn't even help. SDC Energy Program Manager Tara Pray says, "Well we've been out here everyday before the sunrise and we've always been here too late. If all the workers show up they're only taking 40 people a day."
Pray believe people don't have to camp out, and should take advantage of other options. Pray said, "Anybody that's working can call the hotline and make an appointment and come in the evening or on a Saturday." Those who are also at risk of being disconnected and those with disabilities can also make appointments.
Pray says people not in a crisis mode should wait until after this initial rush to apply. You can apply at any one of the five Milwaukee locations.
2008 was a record year for those applying for assistance at 51,000. The SDC says because of the economy 2009 is expected to be even busier, despite the fact that a mild winter is being predicted and energy costs are down.
Less than two weeks into the official start of the Energy Assistance program season, and some people are already frustrated. Many are complaining of busy phones, and lots of waiting. Some are even camping out the night before in order to get the help they need.
During the Energy Assistance season, and the Social Development Commission's sites that help the state with the program are swamped. The SDC says it's five Milwaukee County locations can only process a limited number of applications a day, based on resources.
Daytime visits are on a first come first serve basis. So many people are waking up early trying to beat the rush, but some say that doesn't even help. SDC Energy Program Manager Tara Pray says, "Well we've been out here everyday before the sunrise and we've always been here too late. If all the workers show up they're only taking 40 people a day."
Pray believe people don't have to camp out, and should take advantage of other options. Pray said, "Anybody that's working can call the hotline and make an appointment and come in the evening or on a Saturday." Those who are also at risk of being disconnected and those with disabilities can also make appointments.
Pray says people not in a crisis mode should wait until after this initial rush to apply. You can apply at any one of the five Milwaukee locations.
2008 was a record year for those applying for assistance at 51,000. The SDC says because of the economy 2009 is expected to be even busier, despite the fact that a mild winter is being predicted and energy costs are down.
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