December 1, 2011 marked our latest edition of Take Charge Thursday; as we examined winter energy assistance programs.

Last year alone, 35,000 people across St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Fulton and Kosciusko Counties received federal funds from Real Services via the Energy Assistance Program.

This year, the same number of people requested the help, but Real Services has 40 percent less financing.

Although funds aren't as dry at local not-for-profits like Stone Soup Community, money is still tight. Workers there report private donations are down 15 percent.

"We’re starting to see people getting nervous about the weather and not having their heat on. They’re really anxious about being warm and having their children warm for the winter,” said Linda Jung-Zimmerman, executive director of Stone Soup Community.

In 2010, the not-for-profit saved 400 families from the cold, but with fewer donations this season, that might be tough to repeat.

"The reality is the needs are greater as the funds are cut. So it leaves agencies who are really trying to assist people, scrambling to find resources,” Jung-Zimmerman added.

Across town at Real Services, the news is even more bleak, $6.2 million dollars in funding last year, $3.6 million this year.

"It’s a balancing act as we can either pay fewer families the same amount as last year or we can give lower benefits and help just as many families this year,” said Ingrid Simmons, Energy Assistance Director for Real Services.

In 2010, Real Services handed-out $380 to 12,000 local families on average.

This year, that figure will drop to $230 dollars, a 40 percent decrease.

The bad news, less money overall, the good news, the same number of families served.

“Families are in positions where they need help. So if there is a need, call and find out and see what we can do,” Simmons concluded.

If Real Services approves your application for winter energy assistance, you're local utility company cannot shut-off your heat under any circumstance. That grandfather clause of sorts will last until Mar. 15. of next year.