Local emergency officials and representatives from a variety of human service organizations in Otsego County are anticipating a long, hard winter for some people.
And they are planning to get the word out about what services are available through an informational campaign.
Cynthia Moore, Otsego County's public health preparedness coordinator, said she and other representatives from government and nonprofit service groups are strategizing on how best to assist people who may find themselves struggling financially this winter due to home heating and other expenses.
"It's kind of a group effort," Moore said. "We're just trying to spread the word on what exists. A lot of people aren't aware of what is out there."
Oneonta Fire Chief Robert Barnes, who also serves as the city of Oneonta's emergency coordinator, said there is no particular demographic at greater risk as the economy fizzles. The demand for assistance could come from families earning more than one paycheck, as well as those who live on fixed incomes.
"We don't know yet what's going to happen with home heating," Barnes said.
Some people who are faced with a choice between paying for food, rent, heat, gas and prescription drugs may opt to forego the medication, Barnes said.
"I'm expecting to see a spike in medical calls," Barnes said.
Opportunities for Otsego Executive Director Daniel Maskin said there is an increase in demand at food pantries.
"Capacity to distribute at smaller pantries is an issue," Maskin said.
Maskin said people have already been looking in atypical places for details on what services and programs may be out there to help them.
"What we are hearing is that in smaller communities, people are going to fire departments and town halls to get information," Maskin said.
"There is a lot of material out there,'' he continued. ``What we're going to do is try and organize it. We're developing pamphlets."
The group is seeking to have this information available at area town halls, schools and fire halls, Maskin said.
The Red Cross, OFO, the United Way and Catholic Charities among the groups involved.
"A lot of organizations run different programs," Maskin said.
He said it is not the intention of the committee to look at starting new programs.
