NEW YORK (WSYR-TV) -- With the federal government shutdown still dragging on, food and heating help could be put on pause soon.

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York's home energy assistance program helped over one-million low-income families stay warm. The program runs on federal funds. Right now, the state is delaying its opening to Nov. 17.

"In order for us to meet that date and not be required to push the opening date even later, we really need congress to act before Oct. 30," Barbara Guinn, the commissioner for the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said.

Guinn says the program helps 52,000 households in Central New York.

"It will make a payment to an energy provider or utility company in order to reduce the household's energy bill," she said. "It h

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