A father who recently lost his job … a single mother who is having trouble juggling work and affordable care for her children … a household dealing with an unexpected long-term medical expense.
For many Massachusetts families in temporary crisis, the arrival of cold temperatures has them facing the cold reality of not being able to pay their monthly energy bill.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, sponsored by 20 energy service providers in the state and administered by The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division, is often the last resort for families who are in need of a helping hand and who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. Last winter, more than 1,500 Massachusetts households in need of warmth received energy assistance thanks to those who generously gave to the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.
Unfortunately, the fund is once again seeing a rise in the number of requests for energy assistance. In fact, we expect the urgency of need to continue to escalate throughout the winter and into spring. With this in mind, those in need of energy assistance should visit their local Salvation Army Service Center or call 800-334-3047 if they live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978.
To help us satisfy the more than 1,650 requests for aid anticipated this winter, I appeal to everyone in the Peabody-Lynnfield area to join their fellow residents in the commonwealth and the sponsoring energy companies to “Give the Gift of Warmth.”
Energy customers can donate by using the green Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelopes found as an insert in their monthly utility bills or through the “add a dollar” program that some energy companies offer.
People can also donate by credit card at www.magoodneighbor.org or by writing a check payable to: “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund” and mailed ℅ to The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton MA 02021-1408.
On behalf of all families in need — thank you.
Mary Ellen Molloy
Chairperson, 2019 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
Regulatory Relations Specialist, Eversource Energy
