Over 1,900 households with heating emergencies, including 1,362 children, weren’t left out in the cold this winter because of a $500,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation to support United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund.
As Long Island’s only island-wide non-governmental emergency heating fund, Project Warmth is a safety net for individuals and families who are facing energy insecurity. This fuel-neutral program is especially critical for those who do not qualify for government programs, including seniors, veterans, and families with young children.
“For 20 of its 25 years, National Grid Foundation has partnered with United Way of Long Island and supported its Project Warmth initiative,” said Eileen Cohen, Board Chair, National Grid Foundation. “This year, we were especially thrilled to include a special donation which supplemented the Foundation’s ‘traditional’ annual heating fund grant to help celebrate the Foundation’s 25 years of service in our communities. It also highlights the core principle which United Way shares: giving people the tools they need to build hope as an essential ingredient in their development and building stronger communities.”
United Way worked in partnership with 20 local agencies and more than 300 parish outreach centers that provided intake and case management services. The case management process ensured needed services were 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.
Carlos, a resident of Long Beach, lives with his grandmother and they have been struggling with health issues. He participated in a Project Warmth intake event held collaboratively with the Long Beach Latino Civic Association. “I am grateful to United Way, National Grid Foundation, and all who assisted my family during a difficult season,” said Carlos. “You brought joy to many people’s hearts, including mine.”
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.
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to United Way and all the partners involved in achieving the ambitious goal of reaching over 1,900 families this year. We take immense pride in being a key supporter of the Project Warmth fuel-neutral relief program. This initiative plays a crucial role in assisting Long Islanders during their most vulnerable moments,” said Aaron Choo, Vice-chair of the United Way Board of Directors and Vice President of Gas Field Operations at National Grid. “Having the privilege of serving on the United Way Board, I've witnessed firsthand the profound impact this extra support has on our neighbors. National Grid and the Foundation have a rich history of community engagement and understands the critical needs within our communities. We want our neighbors to be rest assured knowing that we are here to lend a helping hand.”
“Many hardworking families make financial trade-offs during the winter months. Assistance with an oil delivery, heat-related utility bill or other heating source, means people have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication. Because of National Grid Foundation’s extraordinary generosity, United Way was able to ensure that Long Islanders’ homes remained heated in a safe manner,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island.
We are grateful to our many funders, including Northville Industries, for supporting Project Warmth. According to Gene Bernstein, Chairman of Northville Industries and Chair of the Project Warmth Fuel Fund Committee, “For 70 years Northville Industries has been keeping Long Islanders warm through its business, and we are delighted to also be helping through our philanthropy. We salute our co-supporters at Project Warmth and encourage other local businesses to join our effort.”
Since 1994, Project Warmth has provided more than $13 million to assist over 32,000 families. It is one of the country’s oldest non-government fuel funds, serving as a model across the United States.
*To read United Way’s latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report*, visit: www.unitedwayli.org/ALICE2023