National Grid Foundation Donates $1.3 Million to United Ways for Fuel Assistance

With food and fuel costs at an all-time high, community-based organizations have kept families afloat. Through a generous $1.3 million donation from the National Grid Foundation, thousands of families across the Commonwealth have found the help they need.

The donation, made to Cape and Islands United Way, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and United Way of Central Massachusetts, supports local families with emergency heating and financial assistance this winter, emergency food and supplies, and other basic needs.

The Cape and Islands United Way partnered with nine agencies on the Cape, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard in distributing the funds to those most vulnerable. The agencies include Housing Assistance Corp in Hyannis; Cape Cod Council of Churches, Hands of Hope; Community Health Center; The Salvation Army; Lower Cape Outreach Council; Homeless Prevention Council; Nantucket Interfaith Council; and Falmouth Service Center.

“This gift helps close out the Foundation’s 25th anniversary and ring in the new year highlighting our core principle: giving people the tools they need to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and building stronger communities,” said Eileen Cohen, Board Chair, National Grid Foundation. “We also know that small amounts of emergency assistance in a time of financial crisis can prevent families from losing their homes, going without heat, experiencing food insecurity, or going without other essential needs.”

The Foundation, representatives from the three United Ways, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, and other state and local elected officials gathered to announce the funding at The Neighborhood Developers facility in Chelsea on Feb. 10.

Here in Massachusetts, 20 percent of households reported they were unable to pay an energy bill or unable to pay the full bill amount at least once over the past year. That’s according to U.S. Census data.

“This much-needed funding will have a significant impact on the Cape and Islands ensuring our neighbors in need don’t have to choose between heat or food – that’s the reality many living here year-round are facing,” said Mark Skala, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cape and Islands United Way. “We are so grateful for this investment in the community by the National Grid Foundation.”