SWAP wood for seniors on a modest income. Just add flame! Photo: HCSO.

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Low cost firewood vouchers will start being sold on Tuesday, May 2 at the Humboldt Senior Resource Center (HSRC) located at 1910 California Street in Eureka.   Households with an individual 55 or older and living on a low to moderate income are eligible to purchase up to two vouchers.   Once purchased, vouchers can be redeemed for one cord of wood per voucher at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program (SWAP) lot in Eureka starting on May 13.  After the initial sale, additional cords of wood will be available for purchase later in the year.

A pick up day will be assigned at the time of purchase or a delivery driver can be assigned for an additional fee.  For pick up days, SWAP staff and attendees at the lot will direct and load your wood for you.  The wood will be stacked in your vehicle loosely.  A cord of wood is 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet stacked. Smaller trucks may need to make multiple trips.  If using a delivery driver, a fee is paid to the driver when wood is delivered and is based on location. Drivers will deliver from Rio Dell to Patrick’s Point.

Effort is made to ensure the wood is between 16 and 18 inches long.  The type and quality of wood varies, ranging from pine to madrone, to redwood to oak and more.  Some of the wood may have been cut months ago; others may have been cut the day before pick up.  There is no guarantee in the type or quality received.  Historically people usually get a mixture.

Vouchers are priced on a sliding scale costing between $78-121 (tax included in the fee) based upon the purchaser’s household size and monthly household income.  Proof of age and income are required.  Bring an identification document such as a driver’s license and documentation to prove your total household income such as a 2016 tax return, a Social Security award letter, two current pay check stubs, or a bank statement showing direct deposits of income.

Payment for the vouchers can be made by cash or local check only.
Vouchers are available for purchase at HSRC Tuesday through Friday from 9:00a.m.-2:30p.m. until vouchers are sold out.  

For more information, contact Tasha Romo, Nutrition and Activities Program Manager at (707) 443-9747 ext. 1228 or Activities at ext. 1240.