Reading, MA– As winter temperatures drop, Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), a sponsor of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, encourages households impacted by inflation or other crises and in need of home energy assistance to apply to the Fund by visiting their local Salvation Army Corps Community Center. If unsure of where the nearest Community Center is located, please visit magoodneighbor.org.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, administered by The Salvation Army, 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 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 $81,562 and $108,748 to qualify. This campaign year’s Fund disbursement is $500 per eligible household per heating season.
“With today’s higher prices for basic needs like food and utilities, combined with dropping temperatures, moderate-income households should know that they can turn to the Fund for assistance,” said Julie Blackley, RMLD Communications Manager and GNEF Committee Member. “We encourage all those who are in a temporary crisis and having trouble making ends meet to find out if they are eligible for the Fund.” Blackley added that the easiest way to determine if a household qualifies is to visit the Fund’s website.
The Fund’s distribution award letter also serves as qualification for the Mass Save Enhanced Insulation Incentive for customers of a Massachusetts investor-owned utility. Specifically, the offer provides qualified customers with no-cost insulation, as well as other no-cost energy savings measures.
The Fund’s 38th annual “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 19 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 $23.5 million and assisted over 93,250 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 donation envelope included with their monthly energy bill. 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 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 magoodneighbor.org.
