United Way of Long Island is the recipient of a $110,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation, providing Long Islanders with the means to keep their homes warm in the winter months.
This grant supports Project Warmth, Long Island’s only non-government, Island-wide emergency heating fund available all winter as a safety net for individuals and families who are facing energy insecurity and are unable to pay their heating bill, many of whom have already exhausted all other options for assistance by this point.
“The beauty of Project Warmth is that it’s helping families who have just hit a few bumps in the road, whether that be an illness or unexpected home repairs,” said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation. “Nobody should have to decide between food, medications and heat. By supporting Project Warmth, the National Grid Foundation is able to provide much-needed relief to our neighbors who are struggling. We are proud to give this gift to this critical program.”
“You never think you’re going to be in a position where you need help to keep your family warm, but that’s exactly where I found myself this winter,” said Kelly of Huntington Station, a Project Warmth recipient. “I am so grateful to Project Warmth for giving me the small bit of help I needed to get my financial situation back on track.”
“Winter can be a difficult time of year for families who make just enough to get by, especially families with young children, or medically-compromised seniors,” added Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “We are grateful to National Grid Foundation for being such a tremendous partner of Project Warmth over many years, keeping Long Islanders safe and warm in their homes.”
More than 267,000 households on Long Island are living just above the poverty line but are struggling to make ends meet. This population known as ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed survives living paycheck to paycheck. These families and individuals work hard to make enough money to support their families, but often find themselves behind on bills, including their heating costs. This time of year is especially dangerous for children and seniors – their situation could quickly become perilous if they are forced to choose between heat and food or medication.
Project Warmth is available during the winter months, generally opening in December, and remains open until the funds are fully allocated. For assistance from Project Warmth, contact United Way of Long Island’s 2-1-1 service by dialing 2-1-1, calling toll-free at 1-888-774-7633, or visiting their website at www.211longisland.org.
Since its inception, Project Warmth has provided more than $10.5 million in emergency funding to more than 30,000 families. To support Project Warmth, please make a contribution on United Way of Long Island’s website at www.unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.
Photo caption: United Way of Long Island Chair of the Board John R. Durso accepts a National Grid Foundation grant for $110,000 supporting Project Warmth, with Kelly and her son Mason who received assistance through the program this year.