Smithfield's Neighborhood Health Plan of RI Makes $50,000 Donation to RI Good Neighbor Energy Fund

PROVIDENCE, RI, April 4, 2017 – The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund, a cooperative effort between the energy companies in the state, United Way of Rhode Island which administers the Fund, the state’s local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies and Rhode Islanders to assist those in temporary crisis with the payment of their energy bills, announces that it has recently received a $50,000 donation from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. Neighborhood is a non-profit HMO whose mission is to ensure the most vulnerable residents in the state have access to high quality, affordable health care.

“We are so grateful for the support of the corporate community, especially Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and its generous donation of $50,000 to the Fund,” said Anthony Maione, President and CEO, United Way of Rhode Island. “This gift will help more than 100 families stay warm while getting through a rough time in their lives.” The Good Neighbor Energy Fund’s “Warm Thy Neighbor” campaign goal for 2016-17 is to raise more than $400,000 and provide energy assistance to over 1,000 families.

“Neighborhood works hard to make sure everyone in Rhode Island has access to high-quality, affordable health care, but we also understand there are many other elements to keeping people healthy,” said Peter Marino, President and Chief Executive Officer, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. “If people are worried about how they’re going to pay their utility bills, they’re less likely to make health care a priority. Neighborhood is proud to help address that problem and allow Rhode Islanders to take comfort knowing they can keep their houses and their families warm. It’s encouraging to know this donation will support the ongoing work of our community partners, the United Way of Rhode Island and the Good Neighbor Energy Fund program, on behalf of our state’s at-risk families."

The Rhode Island Good Neighbor Energy Fund is a safety net for households in crisis who are having trouble paying their energy bills. The state's local CAP agencies determine household eligibility for the Fund based on total household income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of two is eligible for the Fund if its annual income does not exceed $48,060 while a household of four cannot exceed $72,900. For those who are looking for assistance from the Fund but are unsure of the CAP agency in their area, please call the United Way 2-1-1 information line. For general information about the Fund, please call the United Way 2-1-1 information line or visit www.rhodeislandgoodneighbor.org.