The new year is here! Out with the old and in with the new, including hopes for a healthy, prosperous 2025. But as the New England region gets colder, some are hoping simply for a helping hand.
Despite the flip of the calendar, many households in the Ocean State will find it challenging to pay their monthly bills. They should not have to make a choice each month of whether to buy food, clothing, or pay their utilities. However, that is the harsh reality they face at a time when the prices of essential items are high.
Thankfully, the Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF) has been a resource for nearly four decades for those households in temporary crisis and in need of home energy assistance. Administered through United Way of Rhode Island, the program is a cooperative effort between the sponsoring energy companies in the state, their customers, and the corporate community. It provides warmth to households in need, who do not qualify for federal or state assistance, but still need help getting through a rough time.
“People go through unexpected crises, such as the loss of a job, a divorce, or a medical issue that affects their financial situation,” said David Hughes, a member of the RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund committee. “We encourage people to learn more about the Fund, and to apply for assistance if they qualify. The Fund has helped tens of thousands of people throughout its 38-year history and wants to continue assisting as many people as possible.”
Anyone interested in applying for assistance through the Fund should visit their local Community Action Program, or CAP office. There, those in need, will be able to complete an application, attach the required documents, and submit it for consideration. There is no deadline to file, and assistance is awarded based on need and available funding. The program is usually open throughout the winter and into the late spring and early summer, when it also can provide assistance with home cooling expenses.
Rhode Islanders with questions regarding how to locate or connect with their local CAP office are encouraged to call United Way’s 211 helpline, which is free and available 24/7. The 211 helpline can also help residents determine their eligibility for the Fund.
According to Courtney Smith, United Way of Rhode Island’s Director of Innovation and Community Outreach, applicants cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level, based on the size of their household. As an example, a family of four could not make more than $90,400 in household income annually. Those guidelines, and a lot more information about the Fund, can be found by visiting rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
Another potential benefit for families in crisis is the possibility they qualify for additional programs.
“Anyone who is applying for heating relief may also be eligible for SNAP (food insecurity), health insurance, child care credits, and other services,” Smith said. “The GNEF funds are not granted to families directly, but rather the local CAP agency assists with the payment of the bill by sending the grant directly to the household’s energy provider. Grants are usually around $600 to $800 for the season, per family.”
Hughes said that the grant money is not limited to energy sources. He noted that in addition to oil, electric, and gas, households using propane, kerosene, or wood are also eligible for the Fund.
The Fund is sponsored by the following energy companies: Block Island Utility District, Ocean State Power, Pascoag Utility District, Petro Home Services, Rhode Island Energy, and RISEC. Since its inception, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund has distributed more than $16 million to help 48,000 households throughout Rhode Island.
Ways for the community to help.
The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund seeks donations in any amount to help “Warm Thy Neighbor,” especially during these colder months. There are several opportunities for anyone to help:
Place your donation in the yellow GNEF envelope provided in your utility bill or scan the QR code found on the envelope; text WARM to 91999 to have a debit or credit card donation form sent to your phone; or donate online at rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.
Again, there is no deadline to apply, but financial assistance may be limited based on the number of applications received and the amount of money available through the program. If you have questions about the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, do not hesitate to call United Way at 211.
