DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can people on Section 8 also qualify for heat assistance? I read somewhere that we cannot get heat assistance because of being on Section 8. Who is right? Many of us are on that program. — Gabrielle, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Eligibility standards for different programs can change, so it’s important to check from year to year. There could be options available based on your household income and whether your heat is included in your subsidized rent.

To find out if you are eligible for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program, you can contact Community Concepts Inc. They are located at 240 Bates St. in Lewiston and can be reached by calling 207-795-4065. For more information about this program, visit www.community-concepts.org/fuel-energy-assistance.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Before the holidays we received a most wonderful gift — a bucket of sand. On behalf of all senior citizens of Auburn, I send thanks to the Auburn Public Services Department for the bucket of sand delivered to our door. In addition, we received a phone call before they delivered, asking where we would like it placed, as it was heavy. We were not home when it arrived but we found it in the exact spot I had requested. During the last few weeks with so much ice, it has been greatly appreciated! — G. Ryder, Auburn.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: How or where can you find out if an organization is for-profit or nonprofit? I tried checking the BBB sites for this information with limited success. I assumed that all groups within Maine that rescue animals from out of state are nonprofit. I may have been naive in thinking that is the case. Thanks for your help. — No name, Sabattus.

ANSWER: There are several websites that can give you background information for nonprofit organizations. These sites exist mostly to guide philanthropic donations to trustworthy organizations:

• www.guidestar.org; 

• www.charitynavigator.org; and

• charitycheck101.org

You can also use the IRS’ website to search for tax-exempt organizations at apps.irs.gov/app/eos.

Also consider that smaller organizations just starting out may not have nonprofit status, as it can be quite a process. 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for someone in the area who has old mobile home furnaces to install in a garage for a heat source to keep the garage heated. Thank you again for your wonderful help. — Mark, Sabattus.

ANSWER: If you are looking for a used mobile home furnace it may be easiest to keep an eye on the classified section or other classified listing publications and websites, such as craigslist. If you would like to shop around for a newer model, you can try contacting a mobile home supply store:

• Parts & Pieces Inc., 515 Main St., Oxford, 207-539-2363;

• Mobile Home Parts Unlimited Inc., 82 Augusta-Rockland Road, Windsor, 207-549-6036; and

• Main Mobile Parts & Services, 184 Fairfield St., Oakland, 207-465-2205.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected], tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.