Heating Bill Assistance Funds Quickly Depleted

MARIETTA, Ga. — A Marietta nonprofit group that helps people pay energy bills was forced to turn away dozens of people after it ran out of funding.

The Tallatoona Action Partnership opened its doors Wednesday to find hundreds of people — some who had spent the night in the parking lot — waiting in line for assistance.The partnership disperses federal funding to people in need, said Sarita Johnson, the group’s Cobb energy coordinator. She said 570 people were granted appointments. The others, including people who showed up at the Mansour Center Thursday, were put on a waiting list, she said.“It breaks my heart to have to stand out here and tell people that unfortunately, I cannot see them and that funds are exhausted,” Johnson said.“It’s kind of cold. It’s getting around Christmas, and I was in need of help with my energy assistance,” said Niko Northington, after she was turned away.

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