CANTON, MA, — The sponsoring energy companies of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) announce that the Fund’s 2017-2018 “Give The Gift of Warmth” fundraising campaign is now underway with a goal to raise $500,000 and provide energy assistance to more than 1,175 households. The Fund, which helps families in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal or state assistance with the payment of their energy expenses, is currently open to all eligible candidates. The GNEF has raised more than $21 million and assisted over 87,250 households in need since its inception in 1985.
Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs. Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the ‘add a dollar’ program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly utility bill payment by one dollar or more. Customers can also donate on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or simply mail a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and send it to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts 02021-1408.
“The successful 33-year history of the Fund makes me confident that we will expand on its good work this campaign year and make a difference in the lives of thousands of families in temporary crisis across the state,” said Patrick Murray, Chairperson of the 2017-2018 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign and Customer Satisfaction and Regulatory Compliance Lead Supervisor for National Grid. “Let’s all work together, exceed our fundraising goal of $500,000 and make sure no family who applies and is eligible goes to bed cold this winter.”
“The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a vital partnership providing a critically important service to people who never expected to need help,” said Major B. Davis, Salvation Army of Massachusetts Divisional Commander. “The partner energy companies, and their customers, help us fill the gap for families who are struggling. That they have done this important work for 33 years is humbling and much appreciated.”
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $66,115 and $88,1153 to qualify. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $425 per eligible household per heating season. To apply to the Fund for assistance, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413.
