"I am very grateful to even be a part of this program. It is very much needed, especially up here where people are really struggling."

The CITGO-Venezuelan Heating Oil Program, in partnership with Citizens Energy Corporation, was created in 2005 in response to a decreased oil supply resulting from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The effect was two-fold: Dwindling oil supply led to steep increases in fuel costs, which in turn affected some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the United States. Cuts in the federal Heating Oil Assistance Program placed unbearable burdens on family budgets already stretched thin.

"We are all americanos, and together we share the Bolivarian mission of giving hope and a better life to the poorest and most vulnerable--whether they live in Venezuela or Vermont. Our oil revenues are bringing literacy, health care and job training to millions of Venezuelans and it is our wish to extend this prosperity throughout the hemisphere. This program fulfills a promise I made to the people of the United States, and it is a gift warmly given to our American friends."

02/08/08 - Tribes Honor Venezuelan-owned company for Heating Help - KMOT TV 02/07/08 - Tribes express gratitude for gift of winter warmth - Rapid City Journal 12/14/07 - Venezuela to Donate more Heating Oil to US Poor - Reuters 12/14/07 - CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program Launched in Bronx more  >>