Good Neighbor Energy Fund kicks off 30th annual ‘Warm Thy Neighbor’ campaign

Posted 11/24/15

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) has announced the kickoff to its 30th annual “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign to help Rhode Island households in temporary crisis, and who have not …

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Good Neighbor Energy Fund kicks off 30th annual ‘Warm Thy Neighbor’ campaign

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The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) has announced the kickoff to its 30th annual “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign to help Rhode Island households in temporary crisis, and who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs, with the payment of their energy bills.

Over the next few weeks the Fund’s sponsoring energy companies – National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, Dominion Resources, Entergy RISEC, Petro Home Services and TransCanada’s Ocean State Power – will be providing their initial grants to United Way of Rhode Island, the new administrator of the GNEF. The official Fund opening for applicants is slated for Monday, Nov. 16. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s 2015-16 campaign goal is to raise $500,000 and help 1,250 households.

The Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local corporations and community organizations for support. Yellow donation envelopes are enclosed with energy bills from December through March to make it easy for anyone to make a donation. Those interested in donating to the Fund can also send a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley St., Providence, RI 02909 or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org. The state’s local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies determine households who qualify for the Fund based on specific income and family member guidelines.

“All the sponsoring energy companies and United Way of Rhode Island are ready to get the campaign started and I think the best way we can pay tribute to the Fund’s 30th anniversary year is to exceed our fundraising goal and ensure that all Rhode Islanders who are eligible for assistance through the Fund receive the warmth they need this winter season,” said Timothy Horan, president of National Grid Rhode Island and chairperson of the 2015-16 Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign. “We want to thank The Salvation Army for its effective administration of the Fund over the years and we are also looking forward to a successful partnership with United Way of Rhode Island and the local CAP agencies.”

Working with the United Way will make it easier for those in need to access assistance. Formerly, prior to applying for a GNEF grant clients needed to make an appointment with a local CAP agency to verify that they did not qualify for federal or state assistance. Now, the local CAPs will be able to determine the applicant’s eligibility and process the GNEF application at the same time.

“We believe that people want to do the best they can for themselves and their families, but sometimes they need help doing that. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps people in temporary crisis,” said Anthony Maione, president and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “We are excited to house the Fund here at UWRI because we want to support programs that help families and individuals succeed, whether it’s helping them to learn throughout life or to get basic support. Donors should know that every dollar collected will go directly to Rhode Islanders in need, as all of our administrative costs will be paid for, so donors can be assured that their gifts will support local families and individuals 100 percent.”

Maione encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible for energy assistance through the Fund to call the United Way 2-1-1 contact center. “2-1-1 handled 197,000 requests last year in Rhode Island, including 40,000 requests for help with utilities. Our 2-1-1 line is free and is available to Rhode Islanders 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Major Wendy Kountz, Rhode Island state coordinator of The Salvation Army, said: “We have valued our partnership with the Good Neighbor Energy Fund and are proud to have helped thousands of households with energy assistance over the years. We will continue to refer those in need of energy assistance to the Fund while focusing on our programs that provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those in our community who most need our help.”

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