Chesapeake Utilities to offer grants to help needy this winter
Chesapeake Utilities created the Sharing Fund with donations provided by customers, employees, the community and Chesapeake Utilities Corp. to ensure the elderly, ill and those facing financial hardship are not forgotten during the cold winter months when energy bills are at their peak.
“In light of the economic crisis our country is now facing, it’s never been more important to let people on Delmarva know that help is available to them,” said Shane Breakie, president of the Chesapeake Emergency Energy Recipient Program that manages the Sharing Fund. “Chesapeake Utilities is proud to be able to increase our efforts to help customers for the third consecutive year.” For 2009, Chesapeake Utilities will commit more than $45,000 in support of the fund.
Grants of up to $600 are now available to approved customers older than 60 who are living on a fixed income and need assistance. In addition to increasing the grant levels, additional Sharing Fund grants of up to $1,000 are being offered to those who are recently unemployed, struggling with mortgage-related issues, or need assistance with the repair or replacement of their heating equipment or water heaters.
Sharing grants are available for all eligible customers of Chesapeake Utilities living on Delmarva. The Sharing Fund, incorporated in 1983, dispersed 260 grants totaling more than $60,000 in 2008 to those in need on Delmarva.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a block grant program that assists low-income households - either homeowners or renters - with their energy bills. The application period is through March 31.
Find grant applications at: Catholic Charities, 302-674-1782
Find Chesapeake at: www.chpk.com
