PROVIDENCE – Bishop Thomas J. Tobin today expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of individuals and organizations who made more than $250,000 available for heating assistance this winter through Keep the Heat On.
Thanks to a $75,000 matching grant from the Catholic Charity Fund and an anonymous $75,000 donation, each dollar donated to Keep the Heat On this year was matched with two.
“The cold winter coupled with high heating prices forced many Rhode Islanders to seek assistance from Keep the Heat On,” said Bishop Tobin. “Thanks to the generosity of so many, the diocese was able to provide assistance to hundreds of our neighbors who were left with no place to turn. While the campaign was a success, I encourage the faithful to continue to pray for those who struggle to make ends meet.”
From November 2007 through March 2008, Keep the Heat On raised $104,441.64 from more than 550 donors. Combined with $150,000 in matching grants from the Catholic Charity Fund and an anonymous donor, a total of $254,441.64 was made available to assist 792 Rhode Island households this winter: $210,583.96 for oil, $41,806.46 for gas and $14,621.75 for electric. Any additional donations to the program will be used to close a $13,000 deficit.
The Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund was established in 1978 by the Interfaith Leadership to assist those who have exhausted all other federal, state and private heating assistance resources. Responding to skyrocketing heating costs in 2005, Bishop Tobin renamed the effort Keep the Heat On, adding a $75,000 matching grant from the Catholic Charity Fund. The Dire Emergency Fund is administered by the diocesan Office of Community Services and Advocacy and assists those in need throughout Rhode Island.
“Keep the Heat On has emerged as a critical source of heating assistance to Rhode Islanders in need,” added Bishop Tobin. “This important diocesan program funded in part by the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal has made a significant impact in the lives of our neighbors.”
For more information please visit www.heatri.com.
