A historic $600,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation to United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth helps keep Long Islanders safe and warm in this harsh winter season.
In a historic moment, United Way makes this announcement and celebrates the extraordinary commitment of the National Grid Foundation, setting a new standard for philanthropic giving.
According to United Way’s latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Limited, Employees) report, more than 354,000 hard-working Long Islanders are struggling to meet their basic needs. One in three families does not earn enough to make ends meet or to heat their homes during the harsh winter months.
As Long Island’s only non-governmental energy emergency fund, it creates a safety net for families and seniors who cannot pay their heating bill. Project Warmth offers a one-time subsidy for electricity related to oil, gas and fuels.
Payments are made directly to oil and utility companies on behalf of eligible residents who are experiencing economic hardship and have exhausted other options. For the thousands of families United Way helps each year, assistance with oil or utility arrears helps them cover essential expenses like food or medicine.
Long Island residents seeking help keeping their homes warm bundled up in winter coats and hats to apply for assistance during United Way of Long Island’s “Warm Homes and Hearts Day” at the offices of its partner community agency, Choice For All.
Eligible applicants included families and seniors who were behind on utility payments, had low or empty oil tanks, received a disconnection notice, or were experiencing financial difficulties.
“The National Grid Foundation shares National Grid’s deep concern about the strain that recent freezing temperatures and rising costs of living are putting on families,” said Dr. Robert Simmons, CEO of the National Grid Foundation.
“The National Grid Foundation’s collaboration with United Way of Long Island provides a zero-emission fuel grant that covers all heating sources. “This support will help those who need it most, offering access to emergency assistance to keep families safe and sheltered, while connecting them to resources for long-term affordability and efficiency.”
“We are experiencing unprecedented cold, and keeping Long Islanders warm and safe is critical. This has been the coldest season our region has experienced in more than 40 years, and extreme weather conditions like this hit our most vulnerable neighbors the hardest,” said Aaron Choo, Vice President of Gas Grid Operations for National Grid and Chairman of the Board of Directors for United Way of Long Island.
“Programs like Project Warmth are a vital safety net that provides immediate help to families and seniors who need it most. “That’s why we’re proud to support it, because no one should have to choose between heating and safety.”
Cover heating costs
Long Islanders like Victoria received a one-time grant to help cover their home heating costs. She tells us, “I am a retired senior living on a fixed income. This winter has been cold and the price of heating has continued to rise. I ran out of oil and began to panic, not knowing how I would pay my next bill. “A friend put me in touch with the United Way of Long Island and Project Warmth which relieved a lot of the burden and anxiety I was feeling.”
“Not only has the National Grid Foundation reached an important milestone in its history, but it will also help us keep more than 2,000 families safe and warm,” said Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “The foundation’s visionary approach to philanthropy continues to inspire and set a precedent for others.”
Notably, since 1994, Project Warmth has provided more than $15 million to help more than 38,000 families. It is one of the oldest non-governmental fuel funds in the country, serving as a model across the United States. “Project Warmth” is available during the winter months and remains open until funds are exhausted.
Project Warmth works with 18 local agencies and more than 90 parish outreach centers offering intake and case management services. The case management process ensures that the client receives the services necessary to resolve their problems and reduce the need for future assistance. The process is so successful that 80% of customers from previous years did not request additional assistance.
Assistance is available through United Way’s 24/7 211 call center by calling 2-1-1. Outside Nassau and Suffolk counties, call 1-888-774-7633; text 898-211; visit the website 211li.org; and the link unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.
