CANTON — As winter temperatures continue to drop, the sponsoring companies of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund and its administrator, The Salvation Army, encourage those who are struggling financially due to higher prices for necessities or other crises to apply for home energy assistance by visiting their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center.
If unsure of where the nearest Community Center is located, please visit www.magoodneighbor.org.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families who are in temporary financial difficulty and do not qualify for federal and state fuel assistance programs such as LIHEAP. The Fund’s grants are paid directly to the energy provider for households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80% of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household of four would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $87,294 and $116,392 to qualify. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $400 per eligible household per heating season.
“Prices for basic needs like food, rent and utilities remain elevated this winter making it difficult for many to make ends meet, especially with temperatures continuing to drop,” said Marie McCabe, Chairperson of the 2024 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign and Customer Service Representative for North Attleborough Electric Department. “The Fund is a resource for moderate income households in temporary crisis. We encourage everyone who thinks they are eligible to apply to the program.”
The Fund’s 399h annual “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 18 sponsoring energy companies, the general public and the corporate community to raise $500,000 and help an anticipated 1,500 households. The campaign relies on the generosity of individuals, families, local corporations and foundations for support and has raised more than $24.5 million and assisted over 94,850 households since its inception in 1985.
Massachusetts residents and businesses that wish to donate to the Fund are encouraged to use the Good Neighbor Energy Fund green donation envelope included with their monthly energy bill or scan the QR code on the donation envelope to donate online. Some energy companies offer an ‘add a dollar’ program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Anyone can also donate with a credit card online at www.magoodneighbor.org. Donors can also simply mail a check payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund,” c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts 02021-1408. Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.
For more information about how to apply for the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center, call 800-334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or 800-262-1320 if you live in area code 413 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org.
