Local organization offers residents assistance with bills

Residents in Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties in need of assistance with electric and heating bills can apply for aid.

Shore Up, located at 520 Snow Hill Rd in Salisbury, helps residents in those three counties if they qualify for the program, run by the Maryland Department of Human Resources.

There are multiple ways to apply.  Applications are accepted online with follow-up information sent in the mail, or you can schedule an appointment at their office.  Shore Up  participates in two expos a year and conducts outreach programs to accept and process applications on the same day.

Applicants who apply and are eligible for assistance are entitled to assistance once a season.  Each season begins July 1 and runs through June.

"The purpose of the Maryland energy assistance program is assist people and helping them with bills that may have been excessive such as a disconnect or just to help someone who may be in need at that time," said Keith White, supervisor at Shore Up in Salisbury.

The program accepts applications through the end of May.