I am writing this in support of Western Maine Community Action in light of proposed federal budget cuts to funding for community action agencies nationwide. I don’t think people appreciate what an essential role community action agencies play in their respective communities.

For example, during this past heating season, the Franklin County Ecumenical Heating Fund provided heating assistance for 331 households (775 individuals) at a cost of $46,281.12. Funding for that project came from foundations, businesses, churches, civic organizations and many individuals — just the sort of collaborative effort most people want to see.

Yet, that effort would not have been possible without the logistical support and community contacts of WMCA. WMCA employees served as a central clearinghouse for all of the requests for fuel assistance and applied the funds equitably.

That is a very large effort and without the help provided by WMCA, the churches could not provide EcuHeat fuel assistance.

That is just one local example.

One could cite others, such as 82 High Street. But the point is, community action agencies are about public-private partnerships and collaboration. They have lots of expertise and experience, which can be brought to bear on many necessary endeavors.

If WMCA is lost due to budget cuts, the loss to Franklin County would be profound.

Maine’s congressional delegation must be firm in support, not only of Western Maine Community Action, but all community action agencies. We need them more than most people realize.

The Rev. Tim Walmer, Farmington

Moderator, Farmington Area Ecumenical Ministry