KEEP THE HEAT ON

Catholic Charities grant helps to ‘Keep the Heat On’

Posted

PROVIDENCE -The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence’s Catholic Charity Appeal has provided a significant grant of $50,000 to the Diocesan heating assistance program that provides immediate relief to those who cannot afford their heating bill and those in danger of utility shut offs.

The announcement was made the day after the region experienced the first snowfall of the winter season.

“Keep the Heat On,” a program sponsored by the Diocese that provides heating assistance to Rhode Islanders who have exhausted all other public and private forms of assistance, has raised more than $1.5 million to help more than 5,400 Rhode Island families and individuals coping with financial struggles with oil, gas or electric bills since 2005.

“What started as a safety net to help those coping with rising energy costs seven years ago has become a critical heating assistance program for those Rhode Islanders with no place left to turn for help,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. “The Catholic Church is committed to growing this program to provide hope and help to our neighbors who struggle to find steady, good paying jobs. On behalf of the more than 5,400 Rhode Island homes assisted by ‘Keep the Heat On,’ I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the generous supporters of this heating assistance program.”

Funded by grants from the Catholic Charity Appeal and donations from generous individuals and businesses who believe that no Rhode Island family should be forced to live without heat during the winter months, “Keep the Heat On” provides heat when all other assistance options are exhausted. Last year, Bishop Tobin awarded a total of $50,000 from the Catholic Charity Appeal to provide heat for those otherwise who could not afford this basic human need.

HOW TO APPLY & HOW TO HELP

Those in need of heating assistance may call 401.421.7833, ext. 207 or log onto: www.heatri.com for additional information. Applicants must demonstrate ineligibility for other federal, state and private assistance. All inquiries are confidential. Those who would like to make a donation to this program and give the gift of heat are invited to send a check to “Keep the Heat On,” One Cathedral Square, Providence, Rhode Island 02903; or visit www.heatri.com to use the secure web server for credit card donations.

ABOUT THE CATHOLIC CHARITY APPEAL

The Annual Catholic Charity Appeal provides critical ?nancial support to a number of ministries and programs that work to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders, including “Keep the Heat On.” These programs offer assistance to people of all races, creeds and backgrounds, and are often an essential lifeline to those served. The Appeal is funded by generous Catholics throughout the Diocese of Providence.