A father who recently lost his job due to the impact of COVID-19 … a single mother who is having trouble juggling work and affordable childcare … a household which is dealing with an unexpected long-term medical expense.
For many Massachusetts families in temporary crisis, possibly in your own community, the arrival of cold temperatures has them facing another cold reality — not being able to pay the monthly energy bill.
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, sponsored by 19 energy service providers in the state and administered by The Salvation Army, is often the last resort for families who are in need of a helping hand and who don’t qualify for federal and state assistance programs.
Unfortunately, due to the combination of falling temperatures and the fallout from the pandemic, the Fund is seeing a rise in the number of requests for energy assistance over the last months.
In fact, we expected the urgency of need to continue to escalate throughout the rest of the winter and into the spring.
With this in mind, those in need of energy assistance should visit their local Salvation Army Corps Service Center — Service Extension Unit or call (800) 334-3047 if they live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or (800) 262-1320 if they live in area code 413.
To help us satisfy the more than 1,500 requests for aid anticipated this winter alone, I appeal to everyone in the Peabody and Lynnfield areas 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 monthly utility bills or through the “add a dollar” program some energy companies offer.
People can also donate with a credit-debit card by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org or simply make a check payable to “The Good Neighbor Fund” and send it care of The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021-1408.
On behalf of all those families in need, thank you.
Marie McCabe
Chairperson, 2021 Massachusetts
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
