'Almost like being in soup line during great depression'...
WSB News

Applicants Battle Cold For Govt. Help

By Jay Black
December 2, 2010 3:56 AM
Comments 3
By Jennifer Griffies
WSB Radio



(WSB Radio) -- Despite the freezing temperatures, hundreds fought for a place in line in Marietta to apply for federal aid to help pay their heat and power bills this winter.

Only 30 people were being let in at a time at the assistance center in Marietta.

"It was freezing," applicant Linda Benefield told WSB-TV. "I was in line for three hours and 15 minutes, but I needed the help."

Some needed even more help just to deal with the cold. Ambulances were cold in and took at least two people to the hospital because of the freezing temperatures .

"People just couldn't stand the cold," said applicant Deandre Marshall. "They were not letting people in fast enough."

Marshall said people in line were crying, afraid they would not even get a chance to apply.

"I never thought I would be in the line," Marshall said. "It's almost like being in a soup line during the great depression."

The money is offered through a network of agencies in Georgia.

Photo: John Spink/AJC

http://wsbradio.com/localnews/2010/12/a ... r-fed.html