Home heating assistance programs launch in Nova Scotia, PEI

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
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    The Salvation Army will be accepting applications for home heating assistance programs in both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island this week.

    For the 16th consecutive year, the Good Neighbour Energy Fund is available for low-income Nova Scotians facing an emergency home-heating crisis, running this year from Jan. 15 to April 15, 2013. Founded in 1997 by Nova Scotia Power, the Good Neighbour Energy Fund continues to receive funding through Nova Scotia Power, with a contribution of $150,000, as well as donations from employees and customers throughout the year. The Nova Scotia government also contributes $400,000 to the fund, which is then administered by The Salvation Army.

    In 2012, more than 2,700 low-income families received home-heating help through the Good Neighbour Energy Fund, including oil, electricity, firewood, coal and propane, though most requests are for oil and electricity. Qualified applicants will receive up to $400, paid directly to their home-heating provider.

    Application forms will be available at Salvation Army Corps and Thrift Stores, MLA offices and online at The Salvation Army’s website (www.salvationarmy.ca/atlantic/gnef/).

    A home-heating oil program is also available for qualifying residents of Prince Edward Island, beginning Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. The program, which is entering its fifth year, offers a one-time furnace oil fill-up of up to 400 litres for those in urgent need. The Prince Edward Island government has contributed just over $121,000 this year, with more than $800,000 donated to this Salvation Army-administered program since 2007. The PEI Petroleum Marketers Association has also donated 9,600 litres of furnace oil to the program this year.

    It is expected the program will help approximately 300 families in Prince Edward.

    Those wishing to receive home-heating oil can apply in person at The Salvation Army Corps in Charlotteown or The Salvation Army Community and Family Services office in Summerside. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.