The White House recommends halving a program that helps the poor heat their homes. The proposed reduction comes as demand for the program is expected to increase.

Last year the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program helped a quarter of a million Georgia families heat their homes. Lines in some application sites stretched around the block. Three quarters of the recipients were senior citizens.

Nancy Smith with the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency says she’s hoping for a warm winter.

“So many people are unemployed, particularly in the rural areas. There are no jobs in the rural areas…period. This money is just not going to even touch the problem."

Funding for the program typically comes in early November. But Smith says it could be delayed as Washington lawmakers argue over the budget.

Tags: LIHEAP, Middle Georgia Community Action Agency, home heating help cuts