PROJECT WARMTH HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
About Project Warmth
United Way of Long Island works with nonprofit and corporate community partners to administer Project Warmth, Long Island’s only non-governmental emergency fuel fund which provides one-time grants to oil and utility companies on behalf of residents facing heating emergencies. Through a network of partner agencies, struggling Long Island families can apply to Project Warmth and receive information on other local resources to help them address greater financial stability. Last year the program distributed grants to 1631 families.
For eligibility criteria and participating guidelines. Download the Project Warmth Fact Sheet
The Need
Despite an incredibly mild winter, more Long Islanders received emergency fuel assistance from Project Warmth last winter than at any time in the last 5 years. More than 1600 households – a 19% increase from the previous year were assisted with emergency grants.
Over the last year, food stamp recipients have increased by 148% on Long Island.
Additionally, many people who have lost their jobs do not qualify for government assistance. While not technically poor, they are poor on a practical basis.
Unfortunately at the same time, governments at all levels are struggling with myriad fiscal issues. As a result, the federal government has significantly reduced funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, both of which provide low income families with utility assistance.
Last, the cost of home heating oil increased from $3.60 to $4.27 per gallon, which is about $550 more for the average home.
United Way of Long Island Needs Your Help
United Way of Long Island is bracing for an unprecedented demand for emergency fuel fund assistance and has authorized an extraordinary effort to raise $1 million to strengthen Project Warmth’s ability to provide critical safety-net services across the region. These funds will allow Project Warmth to stay open all winter and accommodate thousands of underserved Long Islanders.
After the destruction of Hurricane Sandy many more of our neighbors will need assistance with emergency fuel. To strengthen Project Warmth’s ability to provide critical safety-net services across the region Project Warmth will need to raise $1 million.
To donate to Project Warmth
Long Islanders can make contributions to Project Warmth online by choosing "Project Warmth" under the donation catagory, or through the yellow envelopes in their energy bills, by sending donations directly to Project Warmth at 819 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY.
NEED HELP?
If you or someone you know needs financial assistance call 2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, seven days a week or visit www.211longisland.
What You Can Do
There are simple actions you can take to weatherize your home to save energy. Visit these partner web sites for more information:
LIPA: www.lipa.com
Oil Heat Institute: www.ohili.org
National Grid: www.nationalgrid.com
For more information, contact Lois Grant, project coordinator, at lgrant@unitedwayli.org. Project Warmth is a member of the National Fuel Fund Network.
Project Warmth Top Sponsors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil Heat Comfort Inc. |
