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Heating Assistance for Rhode Islanders – Good Neighbor Energy Fund sees Rising Demand
Lower temperatures, combined with prices that remain high for essentials like food and rent are driving increased need among local households struggling to afford home heating. As a result, more residents are turning to the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) for assistance. In response, United Way of RI, which administers the Fund, is reminding households facing temporary financial crises that help is available, while also urging continued donations to the “Warm Thy Neighbor†campaign.
The GNEF is a safety net for Rhode Islanders who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs such as LIHEAP, but who find themselves in a situation where they need help to heat their home. 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 to receive help if its annual income does not exceed $96,450. Assistance grants to households are determined by fuel type, including electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood/wood byproducts, and kerosene, and can provide up to $825 per heating season.
Any Rhode Island household in need of home heating assistance due to financial struggles is encouraged to call United Way’s 211 helpline with general questions about the Fund, to determine eligibility, or to connect with their local Community Action Program (CAP) agency.
“Too many Rhode Islanders are struggling right now, and for a lot of households, the cost to heat their home is a significant pressure when an unexpected financial issue impacts an already tight budget,†says Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund exists for moments like this and we want to make sure our neighbors know that help is available.â€
The GNEF is supported by its sponsors, Block Island Utility District, Clear River Electric & Water District, Ocean State Power, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy, and RI State Energy Center, as well as the generosity of individuals, families, and local businesses.
Donations to the GNEF can be made using the yellow envelope found with Rhode Islanders’ utility bill, by scanning the QR code on the 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 RI, 50 Valley Street, Providence, RI 02909, or by visiting rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
Since its inception, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has helped nearly 50,000 Rhode Island households.