“Warm Thy Neighbor” need is heightened, urgent, appeals for donations

Lower temperatures, combined with high prices for essential items including food and rent, is generating a heightened sense of need from local households in crisis and seeking heating assistance from the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF).  To help “Warm Thy Neighbor,” the Fund’s administrator, United Way of Rhode Island, is appealing for continued donations by the general public as well as the corporate community.  The campaign’s 2023-’24 goal is to raise $400,000 to assist 750 families in need of heating assistance.

The GNEF is a safety net for local families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP.  In addition to the support of Fund sponsors –– Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy and RI State Energy Center LP –– the GNEF relies on the generosity of individuals, families, and local businesses. Since its inception in 1986, the Fund has helped more than 48,000 Rhode Island households.

“With us in the middle of winter it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more Rhode Islanders seeking help to heat their homes as household budgets are stretched to their limit,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island. “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a tremendous resource for those who need it most and I thank everyone who helps to make it possible through their kindness and generosity – it is the epitome of Rhode Islanders helping Rhode Islanders.”

In addition to giving to the Fund by using the yellow donation envelope found with their utility bill, people may support the GNEF by scanning the QR code on the donation envelope, texting “WARM” to 91999 from a mobile phone, sending a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to RI GNEF, c/o United Way of Rhode Island, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909, or visiting rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

Rhode Island households in need of energy assistance due to financial struggles are encouraged to contact their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to determine eligibility for the Fund.  Rhode Islanders may also call United Way’s 211 helpline for assistance finding their nearest CAP agency and with general questions about the Fund.

Eligibility for the GNEF is based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level.  For example, a household of four is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $90,000 while a household of six cannot exceed $120,840.  Assistance grants to individual households are determined by fuel type and need, and can provide up to $825 per heating season.

About Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Since its establishment in 1986, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund has raised more than $16.4 million and helped over 48,000 local households in need of energy assistance.  For more information about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund or to receive assistance, contact either the United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island help line or a local Community Action Program (CAP) agency. Web: www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.

United Way of Rhode Island is uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. A member of the world’s largest nonprofit network, we bring together individuals, business, nonprofit, community leaders and government to tackle the root causes of inequity and achieve specific, measurable goals. Our programs include 211, the statewide front door connecting Rhode Islanders with social services, resources, and vital programs. Both directly and through grants to nonprofits, we are investing to build economic opportunity, advance childhood learning, expand philanthropy, and to drive policy and participation. To learn more, visit unitedwayri.org, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.