In a landmark moment marking the 25th anniversary of National Grid Foundation, United Way of Long Island announced and celebrated the foundation's extraordinary commitment to setting a new standard for philanthropic contributions.
According to United Way’s latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, there are more than 285,179 hardworking Long Islanders struggling to afford life’s basic needs. One out of three families don't earn enough to make ends meet or heat their homes during the bitter winter months.
As Long Island’s only non-governmental, island-wide emergency fuel fund, Project Warmth provides a one-time grant for oil, gas, and fuel-related electric. Payments are made directly to oil and utility companies on behalf of eligible residents who are struggling financially and have exhausted other options. For the thousands of families United Way helps each year, assistance with an oil delivery or utility arrears means they have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication.
Long Islanders seeking help to keep the heat on in their homes were bundled in winter coats and hats to apply for assistance during United Way of Long Island’s “A Day of Warm Hearts & Warm Homes” at the offices of their community partner agency, the Wyandanch Village. Eligible applicants included residents who are behind in their utility payments, have a low or empty oil tank, received a disconnection notice, and/or demonstrate financial hardship.
"This contribution helps celebrate the Foundation's 25 years of service in our communities and highlights our core principle: Giving people the tools they need to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and building stronger communities," said Eileen Cohen, Chair, National Grid Foundation. Cohen continued, "We have a long history of serving as a community partner, understand the critical need in our communities, and want our neighbors to know we are here for them. We are so grateful to organizations like United Way of Long Island as they help deliver so many much-needed services during these trying economic times."
Long Islanders like Gladys of Brentwood, pictured above with National Grid's Aaron Choo, received a one-time grant to help pay for her home heating costs. Gladys, 53, is a mother of four and home health care aide who lost her job. When the house burned and the fire damage restoration costs were too high, the family moved into a trailer. Two of her children are still in school and one of her sons is enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. Gladys fell far behind in her energy bills and couldn’t receive the assistance she needed. Thankfully, Project Warmth was there to help.
“Because of National Grid Foundation, I was able to pay my gas and electric bills and now have peace of mind,” said Gladys Martinez, a Project Warmth grant recipient. “The emergency assistance has gotten me through a very difficult time in my life and allowed me to keep a roof over my family’s heads this winter.”
“The National Grid Foundation has not only reached a significant milestone in its own journey but will also help us keep over 1,000 families safe and warm,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO, United Way of Long Island. “The foundation's visionary approach to philanthropy continues to inspire and set a precedent for others to follow.”
Since 1994, Project Warmth has provided more than $13 million to assist over 31,000 families. It is one of the country’s oldest non-government fuel funds, serving as a model across the United States. Project Warmth is available during the winter months and remains open until the funds are exhausted.
Project Warmth works with 18 local agencies and more than 90 parish outreach centers that provide intake and case management services. The case management process ensures needed services are provided to the client to resolve existing problems and reduce the need for future assistance. The process is so successful that 80% of previous years clients did not request further assistance.
Assistance is available through United Way’s 211 call center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 2-1-1, or outside Nassau and Suffolk Counties 1-888-774-7633; text 898-211; visit 211li.org; unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth
Top picture Caption: (L-R: Gary Zanazzi, Swezey Fuel; Ed Gomez, PETRO; Cliff Hochhauser, Carbo Industries; Craig Fligstein, United Way of Long Island; National Grid transport driver; Darryl Clark, Wallace Eannace Associates, Inc.); Councilman Anthony Manetta, Town of Babylon; Brian Sapp, National Grid; Gladys Martinez, Project Warmth Recipient; Theresa Regnante, United Way of Long Island, Christine Berardi, National Grid Foundation; Aaron Choo, National Grid; Lynda Nicolino, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; David Lyons, PSEG; Legislator Jason Richberg, Suffolk County; Jerome Bost, IBEW Local 1049; Magdalonie Paris-Campbell, AT&T Services Inc.; Melanie DiPalma, representing NYS Senator Monica Martinez; Wendy Frigeria, National Grid; Tom Magno, Northville industries.)