With temperatures expected to be in the single digits at the end of the week and through the weekend, Public Advocate Gotbaum Wednesday urged eligible New Yorkers to apply for HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program. Gotbaum called on the city to do more to raise awareness about the program, including launching a public awareness campaign to inform more New Yorkers about how to apply for HEAP.

A 2008 survey by the Community Service Society of 1,500 New York City residents showed that rising gas and home heating prices were the top worry among moderate-income respondents, and that 46 percent worry all or most of the time that their families’ total incomes will not be enough to meet their expenses and bills.

HEAP assistance is on a first-come, first-serve basis with a limited amount of funds per year. To find out how to apply for HEAP, call the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at (800) 342-3009 or visit the Web site at http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/default.asp.