BELD Reminds Braintree Residents of Safety Net Energy Fund

Braintree residents are eligible to receive $300 for their household heating costs this season if they qualify under a safety net program being promoted by the .

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, run by the Salvation Army, provides assistance to households that fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state's median income, according to a press release. That means families of two that make between $40,213 and $53,617 qualify, as do families of four that make between $59,137 and $78,849.

Right now the fund is working toward a goal of raising more than $650,000 to help more than 2,225 families through its "Give the Gift of Warmth" campaign. Eligible families are often in "crisis due to illness, loss of job or other drastic change in their ability to make ends meet," according to the BELD release. "Participating energy companies support their customers’ generosity through various matching and giving programs."

Braintree residents can support the fund by going to www.magoodneighbor.org or by mailing a check payable to “The Good Neighbor Energy Fund” to The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Street, Canton, MA 02021-1408.

Residents who are seeking relief through the fund can visit their local Salvation Army center or call 800-334-3047.

"The Fund has a finite amount of money available and it’s being disbursed every day,” Barbara Curtin, a volunteer from BELD, said.