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Local Voices

The 2013-2014 Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund Open To Qualified Candidates

ATTLEBORO, MA -- The Salvation Army, the administrator of the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, announces that the Fund is open to qualified candidates.  A cooperative effort between the state's energy companies, their customers and The Salvation Army, the Good Neighbor Energy 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 29th Annual “Give The Gift of Warmth” campaign's goal is to raise $550,000 and help more than 2,000 families.

“It is our hope that the Fund will help reduce the urgency of need we have been seeing throughout the state,” said Major David Kelly of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division.   Kelly added that the Fund has raised more than $18.8 million and assisted over 82,000 households since its inception in 1985.

The Fund is often the last resort for families who do not qualify 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.  For example, a household size of 2 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $41,932 and $55,908 to qualify.  A household of 4 would need to have a yearly gross income of between $61,664 and $82,218 to qualify, etc.  This year's Fund disbursement is $250 per eligible household per heating season.

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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 contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more.  Customers can also donate with a credit card on-line by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org and checking the appropriate box 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 Corps Community Center or call (800) 334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413.  Web:www.magoodneighbor.org.

Find out what's happening in Attleborowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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