Families to Receive Support this Winter Season through Vital Program – Project Warmth
February 27, 2020 (Roosevelt, NY) – The Long Island region has already experienced a number of cold days. To combat the increased home energy costs during winter months, National Grid Foundation is supporting United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund with a $125,000 contribution to help warm the homes of neighbors in temporary financial distress. With this generous support, as well as with the collective efforts of individuals and corporations, United Way of Long Island is able to impact nearly 1,000 families annually in need of emergency heating assistance. Ed White, Executive Director of National Grid Foundation, presented United Way of Long Island with a check to support Project Warmth. “United Way’s emergency fuel fund is an amazing resource, and we are so pleased we can continue to help,” said White. He added, “This 25-year partnership remains a vital tool that helps connect people with emergency assistance and basic needs when they need it most. We are thrilled to be part of a program that helps so many.”
As Long Island’s only island-wide non-governmental emergency heating fund, United Way’s Project Warmth is open and available as a safety net for A.L.I.C.E.* individuals and families who are facing energy insecurity. This is especially critical for seniors, veterans, families with young children and people with disabilities. Assistance with an oil delivery or heat-related utility bill means people have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication.
Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island stated, “National Grid Foundation’s commitment is evident through their longstanding support for Project Warmth. This generous contribution ensures that Long Islanders, especially families who do not qualify for government programs, but are financially vulnerable, can receive the help they need.”
Raising awareness, United Way was joined by National Grid Foundation at its community partner and Project Warmth intake site, Choice for All, a Roosevelt community-based organization serving Freeport that plays a critical role in informing its clients of the assistance program.
Jacob Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of Choice for All said, “Many of the people we work with have difficulty keeping up with the rising living costs on Long Island. Therefore it is crucial that we are able to provide and connect our clients with an array of services, including Project Warmth. This program provides them with the stability needed to overcome temporary financial challenges.” This includes Denise of West Hempstead, who was grateful to know that she would receive assistance, especially after many challenges she has had rebuilding, after a fire destroyed her home.
Project Warmth is made possible through the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations. This includes leading sponsors: National Grid Foundation, National Grid, Northville Industries, PSEG Long Island, Flushing Bank, Petro Home Services, Swezey Fuel, Meenan, Carbo Industries, UPS and Oil Heat Institute of Long Island. To support Project Warmth, visit unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.
Project Warmth will be offered throughout the winter to assist families not eligible for emergency HEAP or who have utilized that benefit. For assistance from Project Warmth, contact United Way's 211 helpline by dialing 2-1-1, or outside of Nassau and Suffolk counties 1-888-774-7633, 7 days a week at 211longisland.org or unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.
Since its inception in 1994, Project Warmth has provided more than $12 million in emergency funding to more than 95,000 children and adults.
*With 302,988 households on Long Island who struggle to make ends meet, known as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), these individuals work hard to support their families yet often find themselves behind on bills.
Photo Caption: United Way of Long Island staff and partner agency Choice for All join National Grid Foundation in support of Project Warmth: (left to right) From Roosevelt-based Choice for All: Abigail Lal, Manager Strategic Initiatives; Judy Walker, Director of Basic Needs Services & Advocacy; Jacob Dixon, Chief Executive Officer; Edward White Jr., Executive Director, National Grid Foundation; Craig Fligstein, Chief Development Officer, United Way of Long Island; Denise of West Hempstead, Project Warmth recipient; and Trish Rivers, Community Impact Program Director, United Way of Long Island.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About National Grid Foundation
National Grid Foundation was created to enhance the quality of life across its grant making territory. The Foundation’s ongoing challenge is to create opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities. Since its inception in December of 1998, the Foundation now in its 21st year has granted nearly $25 million to local community organizations.
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