CANTON – Even with cold winter temperatures in the rearview mirror and spring here to stay, the sponsoring energy companies of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund continue to encourage those in temporary crisis to apply to the Fund for monthly heating bill assistance by visiting their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center.
“We understand that the need does not end with the cold weather. Households can still request assistance with their energy bills even now that warmer weather has arrived and up until the Fund closes for the year at the end of the summer,”said Mary Ellen Molloy of Eversource Energy and Chairperson of the 2017 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign.“We encourage all families who are going through a tough time to look to the Fund as a potential source for assistance.” Molloy added that the easiest way to determine if a household qualifies is to visit the Fund’s website at www.magoodneighbor.org.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for families who are in temporary crisis and do not qualify for federal and state fuel assistance programs such as LIHEAP. Households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels qualify for this program. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $65,387 and $87,183 to qualify. This year’s Fund disbursement is $425 per eligible household per heating season.
The Fund’s campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families and local corporations and foundations for support and has raised more than $20.5 million and assisted over 86,000 families since its inception in 1985. Massachusetts residents and businesses that wish to assist the Fund are encouraged to “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills. Some energy companies offer an ‘add a dollar’ program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Anyone can also donate with a credit card online at www.magoodneighbor.org or by mailing a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408. Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.
For more information on the Fund and how to apply, 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. Web: www.magoodneighbor.org.
