BRAINTREE, MA—Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund sponsor Braintree Electric Light Department (BELD)is appealing to local residents and businesses to consider donating to the Fund's 2018 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign, due to a heightened urgency of need generated by winter’s cold temperatures and the resulting increase in home energy consumption.
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to those households who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and are not eligible for state or federal energy assistance funds. The 33rd annual campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 20 sponsoring energy companies, the general public, and the corporate community to raise $500K and help 1,175 households.
“The colder temperatures we’ve been experiencing are generating an increase in the number of inquiries by those in need of energy assistance,” said Gail Cohen, BELD Support Services Manager. “We appeal to the giving spirit of all our Braintree neighbors and ask that you consider making a donation of any amount online at www.magoodneighbor.org.”
Since its inception, the Fund has raised more than $21 million to provide 87,250+ households with emergency assistance. Residents and businesses who wish to support the Fund are encouraged to visit magoodneighbor.org, or mail a check (payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”) to Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA, 02021-1408. Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify for federal and state assistance programs. The Salvation Army, which administers the Fund, pays the energy provider directly for households whose gross income falls between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $66,115 and $88,153 to qualify. This campaign year's Fund disbursement is $425 per eligible household per heating season.
For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or www.magoodneighbor.org, or call 800.334.3047.