This winter certainly has been mild in comparison to the record cold  and snow we had last year. But last Tuesday we received a short but chilling reminder that our spring-like temperatures were not here to stay quite yet.

With wind chill temperatures dropping into the single digits, western North Carolina received its first snow of the season and with that an increased number of families and individuals seeking heating assistance.

Lining up as early as 2:00  AM on Monday night, more than 140 families were seen Tuesday to open up the New Year at the Waddell Client Service Center.

The warmer weather has somewhat relieved the strain that wintertime usually brings to the heating and utility assistance that Eblen and other agencies frequently experience.

But before we all breathe a sigh of collective relief there are two major things we cannot allow ourselves to forget.

One is that even though we have had a late start to cold weather arriving with more warm weather expected this week, there still is more than three months of winter ahead and  cold weather will probably return as it did this week.

Secondly,  we must not lose sight that the nights and early mornings are still hovering around freezing so many of those we serve are dealing with illnesses, are elderly, or have small children in their home. All of whom are more vulnerable to the cold.

Because of this there still remains for so many families the uncertainty of having their power disconnected, running out of heating oil, or losing their homes and having to seek shelter for themselves and their family.

“We have the same responsibility in the mildest of winters as we do in the harshest ones. Those most susceptible to the cold have to find a way to keep their families and themselves warm,” tells Bill Murdock, Executive Director of the Eblen Charities.   “A great many seek help through Eblen and we will continue to make sure that no one is left out in the cold. Those who come to our office are not just part of the statistics we track, but each one is someone’s mother, father, son, or daughter. The are are all special to someone and they all are special to us.”

Since this past November we have assisted more than 1,500 families and spent nearly half a million dollars in heating and utility assistance.

Funding for utility and heating assistance comes from a number of sources. In addition to the money Eblen Charities raises through events and donations, we receive federal funds through our partnership with Buncombe County Department of Social Services’ Crisis Intervention Program (CIP).

Of course we do not enter this battle alone. We are honored to be part of such a wonderful community that has opened their individual and collective hearts to help us reach out to those who are less fortunate.  Our partnership with the Buncombe County Commissioners  and the Buncombe County Department of Social Services allows us to touch so many children, adults, and families and help them to keep warm during these cold days and nights. Our thanks once again to County Manager Wanda Greene, Assistant County Manager and DSS Director Mandy Stone, Tim Rhodes, Carol Edwards, Tracie Franklin, and Jim Holland  of DSS.

“Buncombe County Department of Social Services has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Bill Murdock and all of the volunteers and employees of Eblen Charities. Eblen’s assistance in helping us to administer our TANF Emergency Assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs results in a more efficient use of crisis dollars by utilizing multiple program funds to tailor each recipient’s specific needs. By doing this, Eblen is able to stretch dollars further and better assure that families and households don’t fall through the cracks. We greatly appreciate all that Eblen does for the residents of Buncombe County,” remarks Tim Rhodes of Buncombe County DSS.

Our gratitude also to all who have joined us in reaching out to keep our families warm through our heating programs.  Individuals, families, and companies have been tremendously  generous in sending donations ranging from a few dollars to a thousand or more to help families who find themselves in times of need keep warm.

If you would like to join us in helping the families we serve keep warm contact Bill Murdock at the Eblen Charities at 242-2848 or via email at eblenfound@aol.com.