Government is once again contributing to the Good Neighbour Energy Fund, administered by the Salvation Army.
The fund offers financial assistance to low-income families to heat their home in emergency situations. Last winter, 1,757 households received assistance through the fund. Nova Scotia has provided significant assistance to the program every year since 2008.
Government is providing up to $800,000 to the fund, with funding to be paid in two separate installments of $400,000 depending on need. The Salvation Army will receive an initial $400,000 in funding and the program will be assessed later to determine if additional funding is required to support ongoing emergency need.
“For almost two decades the Salvation Army has been running the Good Neighbour Energy Fund to help Nova Scotians who are facing emergency situations with heating their homes,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Mark Furey. “The Salvation Army’s excellent work administering the fund speaks to their reputation for caring for those in need. The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to support this essential and important work.”
To receive support, an applicant must not have received assistance from the program for two years. This year, the eligibility was reduced from three years to two years to help more low-income families.
“The province’s contribution will help keep Nova Scotians warm this winter,” said Major Alison Cowling, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “We are grateful to have government as partners and thankful for the hope they are giving those in need.”
The Good Neighbour Energy Fund runs from Jan. 15 to April 15. For more information, go to www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/gnef/.
Nova Scotians may also be eligible for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program to help with up to $200 toward home heating costs. Go to www.homeheatinghelp.ca for more information.
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. It offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have addictions in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
Source: Release