Heating, food, and housing assistance face winter pressure

Maine heating oil has reportedly climbed 74% to about $5.77 per gallon as assistance agencies face historic demand and delayed federal funding. Nearly 23,000 Mainers reportedly lost food assistance this year, while renters may qualify for up to $9,600 in eviction assistance and longer-term housing aid for about 600 Mainers could be threatened; local Washington County effects remain unconfirmed.