Press Release: Congressman George Whitesides Visits Maravilla Foundation
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Lancaster, CA – Congressman George Whitesides, who represents California’s 27th Congressional District, visited the Maravilla Foundation’s Lancaster office on August 28, 2025. Newly elected earlier this year, Congressman Whitesides met with households and staff who have benefited from federal energy assistance and weatherization programs. The visit highlighted the impact of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in the Antelope Valley.
Households in this region often face higher utility costs due to extreme temperatures, making these programs especially critical. Congressman Whitesides’ visit underscored the importance of protecting funding that helps vulnerable residents stay safe and healthy.
Clients shared how these services have changed their lives. Noemi Hernandez explained how the program allowed her to better manage her bills, sleep at night without constant worry, and budget carefully. She also spoke about the dangerous choices people make when they cannot afford safe heating. Some households in her community have tried to use their ovens to stay warm, and Noemi said she personally knew people who lost their lives this way. Her story showed why safe and affordable energy services are not only important but lifesaving.
Arutyan Anitkyan, an older adult with chronic health conditions who lives alone, received weatherization upgrades including a new heating and cooling system, a thermostat, roof repairs, and a water heater replacement. He also received utility assistance that eased the burden of his bills. Arutyan said the program lowered his energy costs, improved air quality in his home, and was exactly what he needed.
Other clients, including Valerie Bell, Sherrel Hill, and Frances Perini, also shared their gratitude for the assistance they received.
Veronica Lozano, a Maravilla staff member on the intake and outreach team, talked about how difficult it is for households to recover when utility companies such as SoCal Gas and Southern California Edison require 90% of the full balance to be paid in order restore service after a shutoff. Staff pointed out that while program funding has stayed the same, the rising cost of living and annual cost of living adjustments have made it harder for households to keep up. Since COVID, applications for assistance have increased sharply, with more households than ever seeking help.
The visit comes as Congress prepares to consider FY26 appropriations for LIHEAP and DOE Weatherization funding. Maravilla Foundation encouraged ongoing support to ensure these vital programs continue serving households in need. Maravilla Foundation will continue working with federal,
state, and local partners to make sure households in Los Angeles County have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy.
“Families in Lancaster and across the Antelope Valley deserve lower energy costs and safe, reliable service," said Rep. George Whitesides. "In Congress, I'm fighting for programs like LIHEAP and Weatherization that ease the burden on households and protect funding that keeps our communities healthy, secure, and moving forward. I’m grateful to the Maravilla Foundation for the critical work they do every day to support families across our region.”