Heating Assistance Temporarily Suspended for Long Islanders in Need

Due to a two-fold increase in demand for assistance, United Way of Long Island has had to temporarily suspend its Project Warmth Emergency Fuel Fund program.

Requests for Project Warmth grants have skyrocketed this winter.  As of February 22, 2010, United Way of Long Island has granted fuel fund assistance to 1,173 families, versus 587 grants for the same period last year – a 100% increase. As a result, United Way has depleted all available cash to help keep children, families, and seniors warm this winter.

Contingent on demand, United Way of Long Island would require an estimated $160,000 per month to subsidize Project Warmth through the end of April.  For example, on February 22 alone, United Way received 85 requests for home heating assistance, which if funded would require $34,000. This number includes a large number of families who are applying for the first time in their lives.

The continued recession (which has caused higher rates of unemployment) and record-breaking cold weather have been contributing factors to the drastic increase in requests for heating assistance this year. It is estimated that over 40,000 moderate-income Long Islanders lost their jobs over the past year, which have forced many individuals and families to seek safety-net assistance.

Local corporate support has been pledged to support the program, but additional funds are needed.  To make a donation to Project Warmth, please visit www.unitedwayli.org/donate or send checks to United Way of Long Island, ATTN: Project Warmth, 819 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY 11729.  Please include PROJECT WARMTH on the check’s memo line.