Valley Opportunity Council, the nonprofit that provides assistance purchasing heating fuel in Hampden County, has a plan should the shutdown of the federal government stretch beyond Nov. 1.

That’s the date when it has, in the past, begun to help eligible residents with their costs to purchase fuel during the winter months. With that date only days away, Stephen Huntley, executive director for the council, said the state has about $10 million on hand to help with fuel assistance across the commonwealth.

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