Good Neighbor Energy Fund Available for Emergencies Starting Dec. 1

Submitted by The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army, the administrator of the 2011 – 2012 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign, announces that as of this Thursday, Dec. 1, the Fund will be available to households on an emergency basis due to the “urgency of need” throughout the state. The Fund will open to all qualified candidates on Monday, Jan. 2. A cooperative effort between the state's energy companies, their customers and The Salvation Army, the Fund helps families in temporary crisis who do not qualify for federal or state assistance with the payment of their energy expenses. The Fund’s 27th Annual “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign's goal is to raise $650,000 and help more than 2,250 families.

"As we’re seeing a heightened need for assistance, we’ve decided to open the Fund in December but for emergency cases only,” said Major Robert Goding of The Salvation Army in Canton. “Due to the struggling economy, we’re anticipating the number of requests for assistance will continue to rise as the temperatures drop this winter season when the Fund is open to all who qualify.”

Goding added that the Fund has raised more than $17.7 million and assisting over 78,600 needy families since its inception in 1985.

The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant's gross household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. This year's Fund disbursement is $350 per eligible household per heating season.

Massachusetts residents who wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the mint-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills or through the 'add a dollar' program some energy companies offer which allows customers to increase their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more.

Customers can also donate with a credit card on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or by calling 1-800- SAL-ARMY. Or, donors can simply mail a check payable to "The Good Neighbor Energy Fund" and send it to The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.  Participating energy companies support their respective customers’ generosity through various giving programs.

For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Service Center or call (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413 or (800) 334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978. Web: www.magoodneighbor.org.