With Moratorium on Shut-Offs Ending, Households In Need Encouraged To Apply To Good Neighbor Energy Fund for Assistance
RISBJ Staff | Apr 25, 2016
PROVIDENCE, RI, – The moratorium on energy shut-offs is ending this Friday, April 15th for all customers not on protected status so the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, are encouraging those in need of energy assistance to visit a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency or call United Way 2-1-1 to determine if the Fund can be a source of relief.
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP. The State’s local CAP agencies determine households who are eligible for the Fund based on specific household income and family member guidelines.
“With the moratorium on energy shut-offs lifted at the end of this week, we’re entering a time of the year when the need for energy assistance is highest,” said Anthony Maione, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island. “We encourage all those who are having trouble making ends meet to contact our 24-hour call center by dialing 2-1-1 or visit a local Community Action Program agency to see if your household qualifies for assistance from the Fund.”
In addition to the various giving programs of Fund sponsors – National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Dominion Resources, Entergy RISEC, Petro Home Services and Trans-Canada’s Ocean State Power – the Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations for support. Rhode Islanders most often donate to the Fund via the yellow donation envelopes that are enclosed with energy bills. Those interested in donating to the Fund can also text “WARM” to 91999 on their mobile phone, send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909-2459 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
About United Way of Rhode Island
Because everyone needs help sometimes, United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI) helps people. United Way invests in programs with clear results, including those that help children fall in love with learning, that help families meet their basic needs, and that offer training and education for jobs and careers. United Way also provides everyone with one number to call for help, 2-1-1. The organization’s fundraising costs are covered 100% by a trust. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDri.org.
About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised over $12.9 million and helped over 44,000 families in need of temporary energy assistance. For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or to receive assistance, contact the United Way 2-1-1in Rhode Island help line or a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Web: www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
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