LI Charity Gifted $350K Grant To Warm 500+ Homes This Winter

DEER PARK, NY — United Way of Long Island, a non-profit organization that supports families in need, recently received its largest donation since 1964.

The National Grid Foundation presented a $350,000 grant to United Way of Long Island’s Project Warmth on Tuesday, to keep more than 500 Long Island households warm this winter.

Recent ALICE Reports saw more Long Island families having difficulties making ends meet, even when working two, or three jobs, a release said. With home heating costs rapidly increasing, United Way’s Project Warmth is a "lifeline to neighbors" who are experiencing economic challenges.

“This year, more than ever, as energy prices and inflation are putting such a strain on our customers and communities, National Grid Foundation is pleased to again be able to help our neighbors by continuing our annual support of United Way’s Project Warmth,” said Ed White, Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation and Vice President, Social Impact for National Grid.

Project Warmth aims to fill the need for emergency heating assistance on Long Island and has raised more than $11 million to help more than 30,000 families, a release said. It is one of the country’s oldest non-government fuel funds and is the primary source of emergency assistance or many households who are struggling financially and have exhausted other options.

Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island, said that with the grant, hundreds of Long Islanders won't have to worry about staying warm.

“The National Grid Foundation’s grant means that hundreds of households with children and seniors who are especially vulnerable to the cold will not have to lower their thermostats or put on layers of sweaters to stay warm in their own home - - they will not have to make the heartbreaking decision whether to put food in their refrigerator or pay for a heating bill," Regnante said. "United Way is grateful for the unwavering support of National Grid Foundation in our effort to keep our neighbors safe and warm.”

Deer Park-based United Way of Long Island provides assistance on the "building blocks" of health, education, and financial stability. It strives to attain racial equity on the island, and also implements affordable housing through its Healthy Homes Long Island initiative.

For assistance regarding Project Warmth, contact United Way's 211 helpline, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing: 2-1-1, or outside of Nassau and Suffolk counties :888-774-7633, or visit its website here.