Amidst the winter chill, a beacon of warmth came through for over 1,900 households on Long Island, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation. The grant, aimed at supporting the United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund, ensured that families, including 1,362 children, were not left out in the cold during the harsh winter months.
Project Warmth, Long Island’s sole island-wide non-governmental emergency heating fund, acts as a vital safety net for individuals and families grappling with energy insecurity. Especially crucial for those who do not qualify for government assistance programs, such as seniors, veterans, and families with young children, the fuel-neutral program provides essential aid to keep homes warm and safe.
Eileen Cohen, Board Chair of the National Grid Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s long-standing partnership with the United Way of Long Island, spanning two decades. Cohen expressed particular delight in supplementing the foundation’s traditional annual heating fund grant this year, marking the foundation’s 25 years of service. The collaboration underscores the shared principle of empowering individuals with the tools needed to foster hope and build stronger communities.
United Way, in collaboration with 20 local agencies and over 300 parish outreach centers, facilitated the distribution of aid, ensuring that those in need received timely assistance. Through a comprehensive case management process, 80% of previous years’ clients did not require further aid, indicating the program’s efficacy in addressing underlying issues and reducing the need for ongoing support.
The significance of Project Warmth’s mission is underscored by the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, which highlights the struggles of over 285,179 hardworking Long Islanders grappling with financial insecurity. With one in three families unable to afford basic necessities or heating during winter, initiatives like Project Warmth play a crucial role in alleviating hardship.
Aaron Choo, vice-chair of the United Way Board of Directors and vice president of Gas Field Operations at National Grid, expressed pride in supporting Project Warmth’s fuel-neutral relief program, emphasizing the profound impact it has on vulnerable communities.
Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island, acknowledged the invaluable contribution of National Grid Foundation and other supporters in ensuring that Long Islanders received much-needed assistance to keep their homes warm and safe.
Project Warmth’s legacy of service spans over two decades, providing over $13 million in aid to more than 32,000 families.
As one of the nation’s oldest non-government fuel funds, it serves as a model for similar initiatives across the United States, offering hope and relief to those facing energy insecurity.
