Georgia Winter Heating Assistance Program Compiles List of Recipients Based on Database Vulnerability Scores

The Georgia Winter Heating Assistance Project (GWHAP) provides support to approximately 130,000 of the most vulnerable households nationwide by paying their electricity bills during the winter months of December 2000 - February 2001. The US Government, through USAID, allocated $3 million dollars for the program and selected PA Consulting Group to manage the project.

Unfortunately, the limited amount of funds available does not permit the subsidization of electricity costs for all of those in need. Therefore, a decision was made to extend help to those who are in the greatest need, as best measured objectively. The list of beneficiaries was assembled using a database developed by an American organization, Counterpart International, who in 1998-2000 conducted a comprehensive research and survey of the Georgian population. Based on records from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and follow-up questionnaires and surveys, each family was assigned a vulnerability score in the database. The higher the score - the more impoverished the family.

In December, the GWHAP selected about 130,000 households with the highest vulnerability score. If any family cannot find itself among the beneficiaries of GWHAP, it means that its score is lower than others on the list. Since the list of beneficiaries was generated automatically by a computer system, neither USAID or PA are in a position to revise or update the database at this time.

Due to the increased volume of interest in this project, the GWHAP has recently hired two staff from the Georgia Disabled Women’s International Association to assist with telephone inquiries. Should you have any further questions, please contact one of the GWHAP representatives at the following numbers:

Telephone: (995 32) 92-14-61; (995 32) 92-14-61