Bredesen Launches Operation Warm Homes TN 12/07/2005 Governor Phil Bredesen was joined today by Mayors AC Wharton and Willie W. Herenton in launching a program to help senior citizens, low-income and disabled Tennesseans pay their winter heating bills. Noting estimates calling for consumer heating bills to increase by 50% over a year ago, Bredesen launched Operation Warm Homes TN with a one-time state allocation of $5 million to provide relief to low income, elderly and disabled households. In addition, the Governor called on churches and other faith-based organizations to extend the reach of the program by contributing $100 per congregation to a fund that will also help these deserving Tennesseans. “Every one of us is going to think twice about kicking up the thermostat a notch or two this winter, but some Tennesseans - particularly the lower-income elderly, families with young children, and the disabled - will struggle more than most to keep their homes warm and still have money left over for other important expenses,” Bredesen said. “This truly is the season of giving and if we all join together we can keep every Tennessee home warm this winter. I am grateful for the outpouring of support we have already received from Tennessee’s religious community and I know that other Tennesseans will respond as well. ” Operation Warm Homes TN will supplement an existing federal program which currently provides approximately $21 million for this purpose in Tennessee. Through that program – called LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – citizens at 125 percent or below of poverty can sign up to receive financial relief with preference given first to low-income elderly, the disabled and families with young children. LIHEAP provides assistance in the form of credits toward an energy bill and is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) through 19 community agencies. Last year, LIHEAP assisted over 71,000 households, including nearly 30,000 senior citizen applicants. Also joining the Governor and the Mayors for the announcement were Ron Jones, chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, Rev. LaSimba Grey of New Sardis Baptist Church, Rev. Billy Kyles of Monumental Baptist Church and Dr. Philip Jett, president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, who committed to support the effort through its 3,000 congregations in Tennessee. “This year we’ve seen the difference faith-based organizations can make in impacting communities by volunteering their time and resources,” said James M. Porch, Executive Director and Treasurer of the Convention. “I’m confident that our congregations will be generous in assisting deserving Tennesseans and our statewide organization will give as well.” The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has agreed to administer the charitable fund organized by this effort. On-line contributions can be made at www.WarmHomesTN.org. Checks may be sent to: Operation Warm Homes TN (CFMT) PO Box 440225 Nashville, TN 37244 If you have questions, please call Operation Warm Homes TN at 1-800-523-2863.