Families will Stay Safe, Healthy and Warm with the Help of Project Warmth
United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth is proud to announce it has received a $350,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation to keep more than 500 Long Island households warm this winter. This is the largest contribution a United Way program has received since it began in 1964.
Recent ALICE Reports saw more Long Island families having difficulties making ends meet, even when working two, or three jobs. With home heating costs rapidly increasing, United Way’s Project Warmth is a lifeline to neighbors who are experiencing economic challenges.
“This year, more than ever, as energy prices and inflation are putting such a strain on our customers and communities, National Grid Foundation is pleased to again be able to help our neighbors by continuing our annual support of United Way’s Project Warmth,” said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation and Vice President, Social Impact for National Grid. “We are especially thrilled the funding this season will offer even more relief for fuel-neutral energy costs during this unprecedented situation. We have a long history of serving as a community partner, understand the critical need in our communities, and want our customers to know we are here to help. We are grateful to organizations like United Way as they help deliver so many much-needed services during this trying economic time.”
Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island, said “The National Grid Foundation’s grant means that hundreds of households with children and seniors who are especially vulnerable to the cold will not have to lower their thermostats or put on layers of sweaters to stay warm in their own home - - they will not have to make the heartbreaking decision whether to put food in their refrigerator or pay for a heating bill. United Way is grateful for the unwavering support of National Grid Foundation in our effort to keep our neighbors safe and warm.”
Since its inception, Project Warmth has helped to fill the need for emergency heating assistance on Long Island, raising more than $11 million to help more than 30,000 families. We are one of the country’s oldest non-government fuel funds, serving as a model across the United States. We are the primary source of emergency assistance (oil, gas, fuel related electric) for households who are struggling financially and have exhausted other options. For assistance regarding Project Warmth, contact United Way's 211 helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 2-1-1, or outside of Nassau and Suffolk Counties 1-888-774-7633, or visit 211longisland.org, unitedwayli.org/projectwarmth.
Photo Caption: National Grid Foundation’s Check Presentation, featuring from left to right: Aaron Choo, Vice President of National Grid; Vicente Guzman, U.S. National Guard veteran and Project Warmth grant recipient; Christine Berardi, Communication Lead/Editor for National Grid Foundation; Craig Fligstein, Chief Grant Officer, United Way of Long Island.