Low-cost wood keeps the cold and blues away
Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel
It’s that time of the year again. Time for seniors to ward off the chilly fall and winter days ahead by stocking up on firewood now. There’s two kinds of people: the quick and the cold.
Beginning Monday, July 16, low-cost wood vouchers are available for sale to area seniors at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC), located at 1910 California Street in Eureka, according to the HSRC.
Here’s how it works: households with an individual who is 55 or older and living on a low to moderate income are eligible to purchase firewood vouchers. Once purchased, one voucher can be redeemed for one cord of wood at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) lot in Eureka.
Vouchers are available for purchase at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. until vouchers are sold out. Sales will also take place at various locations throughout Humboldt County (times, dates, and locations listed below). Please call 443-9747 ext. 1240 if you have questions.
Vouchers will be priced on a sliding scale costing $78-$121 (tax included in the fee), based upon the purchaser’s household size and monthly household income. Proof of income and age are required for the 2012 firewood sale. Please bring an identification document such as a driver’s license for proof of age.
Additionally, please bring documentation to prove your total household income. This may include a 2011 tax return, Social Security award letter, or two paycheck stubs as proof of income. Cash and local checks will be the only accepted form of payment.
Here’s how much: households may initially purchase up to two cords of wood during the duration of firewood sales season. After August 31, a household can purchase a third cord of wood. This is to slow sales down to ensure each household has an opportunity to purchase wood, according to SWAP and the HSRC.
Here’s the nitty-gritty details: The wood will not be stacked in your vehicle but deposited loosely. A cord of wood is four feet by four feet by eight feet stacked, so smaller trucks may need a couple of pick-up times. The wood pieces are between 16 and 18 inches long. The type and quality of wood varies, ranging from pine to madrone, to redwood to oak, and others. Some wood is seasoned, some is greener. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of the type or quality that one receives but historically people usually get a fair mixture.
A pick-up day can be assigned at the time of purchase or a delivery driver can be assigned for an additional fee. On pick-up days SWAP staff and attendees at the lot will direct and load your wood for you. If one elects to have a delivery driver, the fee is paid to the driver when the wood is delivered. Fees are based on geographical location.
While the HSRC does encourage individuals to purchase their firewood as soon as possible as the wood is sold on a first-come first-serve basis, there is enough that sales typically last for a while. Don’t worry, there’s a sea of wood available and a humongous line of waiting early customers. So keep in mind that people can avoid waiting in long lines if they can come another day rather than in the first couple of days.
Additional one-day firewood voucher sales locations and hours include:
- Monday, July 16, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Arcata Community Center, 321 Community Parkway, Arcata.
- Tuesday, July 17 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 2132 Smith Lane, Fortuna.
- Wednesday, July 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Healy Senior Center, 456 Briceland Road, Redway.
- Thursday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the McKinleyville Senior Center, 1620 Pickett Road, McKinleyville.
Stay warm, stay dry, stay happy and cozy, folks. If winter is anything like this summer it’s going to be a freakin’ frozen cold one.
(Posted by Skippy Massey)
nmitch1001@yahoo.com
Can you buy/get wood vouchers any part of the year except only in July?
Norma Mitchell
210 Anker Ln
Mckinleyville (Fieldbrook), CA 95519